Hi Ayodele here,

Africa’s AI future depends not only on infrastructure and investment, but on talent, trust, and thoughtful governance. This week, we spotlight key initiatives that reflect this approach. Morocco is building specialised capacity with a new graduate school for AI and digital engineering. Ghana is equipping its public sector with the skills to govern AI responsibly. And in Nairobi, a new research institute is putting African voices at the centre of ethical AI development.

This edition highlights how institutions across the continent are laying the groundwork for an AI ecosystem rooted in education, accountability, and long-term impact.

Let us get into it. In this edition:

• Morocco Opens Graduate School for AI and Digital Engineering

• Ghana launches AI training for public servants to boost digital governance

• African researchers unite to shape ethical AI through new ACTS-led institute

Around Africa

Morocco Opens Graduate School for AI and Digital Engineering

Morocco has launched a Graduate School of Engineering in Digital Transition and Artificial Intelligence in Rabat. The school aims to train high-level engineers in AI, data science, and digital innovation. Its curriculum is co-designed with industry partners to ensure graduates are job-ready. This initiative supports Morocco’s broader digital strategy and ambition to become a leading tech hub in North Africa.

Why This Matters
By investing in specialised AI and digital talent, Morocco is building a strong foundation for innovation and competitiveness. The school will supply skilled professionals crucial to scaling local startups and attracting global tech investment.

Ghana launches AI training for public servants to boost digital governance

Ghana has launched a strategic AI training program for over 150 public sector workers to improve service delivery and governance. Led by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the initiative focuses on ethical AI use, digital skills, and policy development. It is supported by GIZ, Smart Africa, and the UK Government through the FCDO Digital Access Programme.

Why It Matters:

This move strengthens Ghana’s institutional capacity to integrate AI responsibly, setting a strong foundation for inclusive digital transformation and regional leadership in AI governance.

African researchers unite to shape ethical AI through new ACTS-led institute

The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) has launched the African-Centred Responsible AI Institute (ACARII). Based in Nairobi, the initiative will focus on inclusive, ethical AI development tailored to Africa’s needs. It brings together African researchers, policymakers, and institutions to drive evidence-based AI policy and innovation rooted in local context.

Why This Matters

ACARII fills a critical gap by ensuring Africa’s AI future is shaped by local voices, values, and priorities. It aims to advance responsible AI governance and foster innovation that supports sustainable and equitable development across the continent.

Other Developments

YC-backed Cerebrium lands $8.5M to expand AI infrastructure in Africa
South African startup Cerebrium has raised $8.5 million in seed funding to expand its serverless AI infrastructure platform. The platform helps developers deploy and manage AI models with high performance and reduced latency. Investors include Coinbase Ventures, Y Combinator, and Liquid2 Ventures. Cerebrium plans to grow its team and enhance platform capabilities.

UpLearn makes AI access easier with email-based platform
South Africa’s EdTech company, Up Learn AI, has launched the country’s first email-based AI platform. The platform allows users to access AI tools simply by sending an email, making it more accessible to those without advanced tech skills or devices. It is designed to help learners, job seekers, and professionals gain tailored support. The solution works with both Gmail and Microsoft Outlook.

Around the world

Google Adds AI-Powered Calling and Upgrades Gemini

Google has launched an AI-powered business calling feature through Project Astra, enabling Gemini to handle calls on behalf of users in customer service settings. It also rolled out Gemini 2.5 Pro to AI Mode, enhancing voice-based interactions with better memory and reasoning. The update brings Gemini into closer competition with OpenAI’s voice features and expands its practical use in everyday tasks.

OpenAI introduces ‘AI agent operator’ role to guide advanced systems

 OpenAI has introduced a new role called "AI agent operator," supporting its push toward more capable AI agents. These operators will test and guide AI systems through complex tasks like travel booking, deep research, and problem-solving. The role focuses on improving real-world usefulness while ensuring safety. It marks another step in OpenAI’s development of autonomous, task-completing AI systems.

Lovable Becomes a Unicorn in 8 Months

Swedish AI startup Lovable has achieved unicorn status, reaching a $1.8 billion valuation. This milestone comes just eight months after its launch, fueled by a $200 million Series A funding round led by Accel. Lovable's platform allows users to create websites and apps using natural language, known as "vibe coding." This rapid growth highlights the increasing demand for AI-powered development tools that democratize software creation.

Around the Web - Top Picks

• AI is speeding up everything

  The pace of technological change is accelerating, largely due to artificial intelligence. This TechCrunch piece explores how AI is collapsing timelines for product launches, skill development, and business evolution. From faster hiring cycles to rapidly adapting software tools, industries are being reshaped in real time.

  Read the full article: AI Is Speeding Up the Pace of Change

• College grads face new AI-driven job market

  The New York Times reports that AI is transforming entry-level jobs, making it harder for new graduates to get a foot in the door. With automation handling tasks once assigned to junior hires, many companies now expect fresh grads to arrive with advanced tech skills and AI fluency.

  Read the full article: AI Is Reshaping Job Prospects for College Graduates

• AI Startup Trends You Should Know

  This report offers insights from 300 software executives: AI-native startups are reaching product-market fit faster than AI-enabled ones. Agentic AI systems are now widely used to automate multi-step tasks.
  Hybrid pricing (subscription plus usage) is on the rise.
  Companies are shifting 10–20% of R&D budgets toward AI development. Read more: 2025 State of AI Report – ICONIQ Capital

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 Summitd
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

DSN AI Bootcamp 2025
Date: Ongoing (Pre-learning phase)
Location: Nigeria (residential Bootcamp location to be announced)
Theme: Africa’s top 200 AI talents will undergo intensive training, mentorship, and networking in a fully-funded, career-transforming experience.
Link: DSN AI Bootcamp 2025

AI Job Opportunities

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

• Dangote Group  – Change Manager - AI & Digitization Initiatives, Nigeria, Onsite

• Dangote Group  – Project Manager - AI & Digitization Initiatives, Nigeria, Onsite

• Awarri – Senior AI Engineer, Remote

Use Case: Create Stunning AI Art with Midjourney on Discord

Midjourney is an AI-powered art generator that lets users create high-quality images from simple text prompts. Hosted on Discord, it supports a wide range of styles, from painterly to hyper-realistic.

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Watch the full tutorial: Midjourney Beginner’s Guide on YouTube.