Africa Produces Less Than 1% of AI Research

Sub-Saharan Africa contributed just 0.83% of global AI publications between 2013 and 2024, according to Stanford University's AI Index 2026 Report. This contrasts sharply with East Asia and the Pacific, which led all regions at 26.42%, while North Africa and the Middle East combined reached 4.27%. Analysts warn the research gap undermines Africa's ability to build homegrown AI models and influence global development. As nations like South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria draft AI strategies, policymakers are urged to address the research deficit alongside governance and infrastructure investment.