China's AI rise reshapes Africa's tech future amid global rivalry

China's advancements in AI are transforming Africa's tech landscape through innovation and collaboration. China's rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are shifting the global tech landscape, with Africa emerging as a key player in this evolving dynamic. As Beijing intensifies AI development amid a growing rivalry with the United States, African nations stand to gain from technology transfers, investments, and tailored AI solutions that address the continent's unique challenges. Lawrence Nderu, a research fellow in the Department of Computing at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, says Africa should capitalise on its ties with China to advance AI-driven innovation. He points to China's development of DeepSeek, an AI model built with fewer computing resources, as proof that high-level AI solutions are achievable even in regions with limited infrastructure. "This has instilled confidence in the Global South, where access to computing power has long been a major barrier to AI adoption," Nderu told China Daily. He expects upcoming discussions at China's Two Sessions-a key annual political gathering-to reinforce Beijing's commitment to AI collaboration with Africa. Nderu notes that AI has the potential to revolutionise sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, climate action, and security. In education, he observes that AI can support personalised learning and assist teachers in lesson planning. Addressing Africa's persistent corruption challenges, he highlights AI's ability to track financial irregularities, enabling institutions like tax authorities and banks to detect fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. "AI's ability to process massive datasets can expose corruption schemes that were previously undetectable," he notes. Beyond AI applications, China's strong manufacturing base increasingly integrates AI-driven automation, a development Nderu says presents Africa with a crucial opportunity for technology transfer. He argues that DeepSeek's success has intensified competition in AI, particularly with US tech giants, and demonstrates that emerging economies can make strides in the sector. While China and the US remain locked in an AI rivalry, with Washington imposing export controls on semiconductor technology, Africa is positioned to benefit from strategic partnerships. The restrictions have not slowed China's AI expansion, with Beijing investing heavily in research and deployment across key markets, including Africa. "China has shown that they can think differently and create real solutions that have an impact," Nderu observes. However, he stresses that for Africa to fully leverage AI, universities must equip students with the technical expertise required to build and deploy AI solutions. "At the university, we are ensuring that AI is recognised as a tool for improving productivity in office operations, research, and student support," he explains.

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