Hi Ayodele here,

Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating, and recent moves from South Africa and Morocco show how AI and infrastructure are becoming central to national growth strategies. From visa systems powered by artificial intelligence to clean energy data centers and strategic global partnerships, countries are stepping up to build smarter, more connected futures.

In this edition, we look at how South Africa is modernizing travel and strengthening its tech ecosystem, while Morocco positions itself as a regional hub for AI compute and data sovereignty.

Let us get into it. In this edition:

• South Africa to launch AI-powered digital visa system

• South Africa partners with Huawei to advance AI and digital infrastructure

• Morocco to host major AI data center powered by Nvidia and Naver

Around Africa

South Africa to launch AI-powered digital visa system

South Africa is set to revolutionize travel with its new AI-powered Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, launching in September 2025. Designed primarily for short-term tourists from visa-required countries, this cutting-edge system promises to transform the visa application and approval process.

Imagine getting visa approvals within seconds directly on your smartphone, eliminating paperwork and queues. The mobile-friendly ETA will store your digital visa securely, while its advanced AI technology will significantly enhance fraud detection, making the entire process more secure and efficient for everyone.

Why it matters

This initiative profoundly matters as it positions South Africa as a forward-thinking leader in digital governance and tourism on the continent. By significantly reducing border delays and offering a truly hassle-free travel experience, the ETA is poised to boost South Africa's appeal as a premier tourist destination, directly contributing to economic growth and job creation.

South Africa partners with Huawei to advance AI and digital infrastructure

South Africa has formalized a significant strategic partnership with Huawei. This agreement is set to deepen cooperation primarily in information and communication technologies, with a strong emphasis on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research, innovation, and digital infrastructure development across the nation. The collaboration extends to crucial areas like 5G deployment, cybersecurity, cloud computing, smart agriculture, and renewable energy, all aligned with South Africa’s comprehensive Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan.

Why It Matters:

This strategic partnership is a crucial step for South Africa, accelerating its National AI Strategy and driving industrial transformation to create future-ready jobs. It positions the country as a leader in leveraging international alliances for technological advancement and promotes equitable development for nations in the Global South.

Morocco to host major AI data center powered by Nvidia and Naver

South Korea's Naver Corporation is working with tech companies Nvidia, Nexus Core Systems, and Lloyds Capital to build a huge AI data center in Morocco. This project will run completely on clean energy and aims to serve customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. What makes this special is that all data will be kept and processed right in Morocco, giving local control over information.

Morocco is a smart choice for this project since it sits just 15 kilometers from mainland Europe and has strong internet connections through underwater cables. This makes it perfect for handling the heavy computing work that AI systems need.

Construction will start in late 2025, with the first part of the center going live by the end of that year. The facility will begin with a smaller setup and then grow over time to reach its full size.

Why it matters 

This project is a game-changer for Morocco, helping it become a major player in AI and data services across Africa. It fits perfectly with Morocco's "Digital Morocco 2030" plan and will let the country sell AI computing services to Europe, Africa, and other regions. For Naver, this opens up new markets and helps spread AI technology across the region while making sure data stays private and under local control.

Around the world

Meta Invests Big in AI

Meta is set to invest nearly $15 billion for a 49% stake in Scale AI, a leading data labeling startup. Scale CEO Alexandr Wang will join Meta to lead a new superintelligence unit, strengthening Meta’s position in the AI race.

Google’s AI Mode Supports Real-Time Voice Conversation

 Google's AI Mode now supports real-time voice conversations in the US, letting users speak with Gemini and get spoken responses. Visual search and global expansion are coming next.

Around the Web - Top Picks

• How AI May Affect Student Thinking

  A recent MIT study suggests that students using ChatGPT for writing tasks showed lower brain activity and produced more formulaic work than those using Google or no tools at all. The concern: overdependence on AI might reduce memory retention and critical thinking.

  Read the full article: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills

• Is Africa Building or Just Using AI?

  A new report by StartupList Africa finds that while African startups are engaging with AI, most are consumers rather than core builders. Only 120 startups building their own models have raised $513 million so far, with Egypt leading in numbers and Kenya, Tunisia, and South Africa topping funding.

  Read the full article: Is Africa Winning the AI Race?

• AI Warning from an AI Godfather

  Geoffrey Hinton, often called the “Godfather of AI,” speaks candidly in The Diary of a CEO about why he left Google to raise the alarm on AI's risks. From job displacement to superintelligent systems, Hinton explains why humanity may be losing control of the very technology it created. He urges immediate action on AI regulation and highlights the need for a global conversation on safety, ethics, and long-term impact.

  Watch the full interview: Geoffrey Hinton: We’ve Already Lost Control

Seen This?

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Upcoming African AI Events

Africa Technology Expo
Dates: June 21, 2025
Location: Landmark Centre, Lagos
Theme: The Africa Technology Expo (ATE) is where Africa’s tech and business leaders gather with one clear goal: to make deals happen. It’s a space where enterprises, operators, and industry giants converge to showcase innovations, build partnerships, and deliver results.
Link: Africa Technology Expo

Africa AI Conference 2025
Date: August 25–28, 2025
Location: JW Marriott Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Theme: Where Innovation, Ethics, and Opportunity Converge
Link: AfricaAIConference

IndabaX Nigeria 2025
Date: July 17-19, 2025
Location: University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Theme: Theme: Deep Learning and AI Advancements (Focuses on research and practical applications of deep learning and AI)
Link: Deeplearningindaba

DSN AI Bootcamp 2025
Dates: 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

• Black in AI - AI’s Emerging Leaders In AI Grad Prep Program.

• LLama impact Accelerator  – AI funding and Mentorship

• Accenture  – Data and AI Manager, South Africa

• Interswitch – AI/MLOPs, Nigeria

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