Africa Meets Bavaria: Advancing AI, Innovation & Digital Transformation

The delegation met with the African Union’s departments for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, and for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Directorate of Women, Gender and Youth. Discussions highlighted key initiatives, including the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024), the Continental TVET Strategy (2025–2034), and the AU Digital and Innovation Fellowship.

A particular focus of the discussions was Ethiopia, where opportunities and challenges in AI are becoming increasingly visible. The discussion explored the need for Afrocentric datasets, support for diverse African languages, and locally designed AI applications for sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. The Ethiopian AI startup ecosystem was also discussed, highlighting its potential as well as challenges like infrastructure gaps, limited data access, and low digital literacy.

The dialogue emphasised the importance of partnerships among governments, the media, and international investors to help scale innovation. Participants also highlighted the need to build public understanding of AI to address concerns about job displacement and to promote responsible use.

The delegation also engaged with the GIZ AI Made in Africa team, which focuses on strengthening the prerequisites for leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Africa’s economic development, particularly within the private sector. The exchange explored the conditions necessary for AI investment and business cooperation in Africa, offering valuable insights to ongoing policy dialogues and private-sector engagement.

The visit emphasised the importance of continental-regional partnerships in advancing innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive growth across Africa.