Hi Ayodele here,

This week, we see Africa’s AI momentum continue to accelerate, powered by strategic partnerships, national vision, and targeted investment. Morocco is strengthening its position with a new AI and Data Centre of Excellence backed by Onepoint. Google is investing $37 million to support talent development, language research, and food security. And Côte d’Ivoire is moving from strategy to execution with a set of new AI deals focused on public sector reform.

This edition highlights how countries and collaborators are laying the groundwork for sustainable, locally-driven AI ecosystems that serve both public good and global competitiveness.

Let us get into it. In this edition:

• Google commits $37M to boost Africa’s AI talent, research, and food security

• Côte d’Ivoire signs AI deals with UAE firm to advance public sector reform

• Morocco and Onepoint Launch AI & Data Center of Excellence

Around Africa

Morocco and Onepoint Launch AI & Data Center of Excellence

Morocco has signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the French tech firm Onepoint to build a new AI and Data Centre of Excellence in the Casablanca-Settat region. The center is a flagship initiative under the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, aiming to recruit 500 skilled engineers and establish Morocco as a regional hub for AI‑powered innovation.

It will drive digital transformation across public services and industrial SMEs, and strengthen Morocco’s digital sovereignty by developing AI capabilities locally.

Why This Matters
This project lays the groundwork for a sustainable, homegrown AI ecosystem in North Africa. By combining infrastructure, training, and industrial application, Morocco positions itself not just as a consumer but as a creator in the global AI race.

Google commits $37M to boost Africa’s AI talent, research, and food security

Google has pledged $37 million in cumulative funding to support Africa’s AI landscape, including talent development, research, and infrastructure. Of this, $25 million will support an AI Collaborative for Food Security and $3 million goes to the Masakhane Research Foundation to boost African language AI tools and datasets. The initiative includes a new AI Community Centre in Accra, Ghana, to host workshops on AI learning, social impact, and local innovation across four thematic pillars.

Why This Matters

This investment marks a pivotal moment for AI in Africa combining infrastructure, skills training, localized language support, and startup funding. It reflects a holistic approach to nurturing responsible AI ecosystems that are built by and for Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire signs AI deals with UAE firm to advance public sector reform

Côte d’Ivoire has signed three MoUs with G42 Presight during its first national AI conference, moving to implement its new National AI Strategy. These partnerships will support public administration reform through digital tools and infrastructure, establish AI-based environmental data systems via Amini Corp, and train civil service staff on AI use through TBI’s involvement. Starting as its 2021–2025 digital strategy nears completion, the country is aligning AI deployment with improved public services and data governance frameworks.

Why It Matters

Côte d’Ivoire is moving beyond strategy into execution, laying the groundwork for inclusive AI-powered governance. By combining infrastructure, workforce training, and local innovation with international expertise, the country is charting a path toward digital sovereignty and administrative excellence in public services.

Around the world

AI-Enabled Coding Interviews at Meta

Meta is piloting a new format for technical interviews that allows select candidates to use AI assistants during coding tests. This aligns with real-world developer workflows and helps mitigate concerns over AI-generated answers. The company is running internal mock interviews to refine the process. Meta views this shift as a step toward engineers working alongside AI coding tools in daily work environments.

ChatGPT’s New Study Mode Supports Deeper Learning

OpenAI has unveiled Study Mode in ChatGPT, transforming the AI from a problem-solving tool into a virtual tutor. This feature guides students step by step using Socratic questioning, quizzes, and scaffolded responses tailored to their skill level. Built with input from educators and pedagogy experts, it encourages active learning and discourages reliance on corrective shortcuts

Google Adds Image Upload and Canvas Features to AI Mode

Google has updated its AI Mode in NotebookLM to support image uploads, allowing users to analyze visual content alongside text. A new Canvas feature enables drawing and annotations, giving students more flexibility in how they study and engage with materials. These tools are designed to enhance personalized learning experiences. The updates are gradually rolling out across Workspace.

Around the Web - Top Picks

• ChatGPT: Everything You Need to Know

  This updated guide from TechCrunch covers the evolution of ChatGPT, from its launch to its current capabilities. It explains how the chatbot works, what it can do, and how users can interact with it across devices. It also includes key updates like voice features, custom GPTs, and new GPT-4o model access for free users. Read the full article: Everything to Know About ChatGPT

• Zuckerberg Predicts AI Glasses Will Create a Digital Divide

  Mark Zuckerberg believes AI-powered glasses will soon become essential, suggesting that those without them may be at a disadvantage. In a recent talk, he emphasized that AI glasses could offer real-time assistance, memory support, and seamless interaction with digital information. Meta continues to invest heavily in this technology through its Ray-Ban smart glasses partnership. Read the full article: Zuckerberg Says AI Glasses Are the Future

Seen This?

If you ever enjoyed watching The Jetsons like I did, you have probably imagined a future where robots handle household chores and assist with daily tasks. It seems we are getting closer to that future becoming real.

Upcoming African AI Events

AI Empowered
Date: 7 August – 8 August 2025
Location: Capetown, South Africa
Highlights: It features 40+ speakers and expects ~3,000 attendees. The focus is on practical AI adoption in business and the future of work, offering hands-on demos and discussions for non-technical leaders to engage with AI opportunities.
Link: AI Powered

CNBC AI Summit
Date: 14 August 2025
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Highlights: This premier event will convene up to 300 industry professionals, providing a dynamic platform for networking, engagement, and insightful discussions on the transformative impact of AI across Africa's key sectors.
Link: CNBC AI Summit

Deep Learning Indaba 2025
Date: 17 August – 22 August 2025
Location: Rwanda
Highlights: Premier AI research gathering in Africa, workshops, and networking with top ML researchers.
Link: Deep Learning Indaba

GITEX NIgeria
Date: 1-4 September 2025
Location: Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria
Theme: Gitex is where tech leaders unite to explore opportunities and showcase innovations. It's the ideal platform to connect with key players, build meaningful connections.
Link: GITEX Nigeria

AI Job Opportunities

• Mest AI Startup program - AI’s Emerging Leaders In AI Grad Prep Program

• Accenture – Data and AI Manager

• Unis  – AI & Robotics Business Partner

• Equals Five – Director of AI Innovation and Strategy

• Moniepoint Group  – Senior Data Scientist

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