The global artificial intelligence (AI) industry is projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, according to the United Nations — a figure surpassing the combined GDP of all 54 African countries. With over $650 billion invested in AI in the past decade, the world’s fourth industrial revolution is accelerating rapidly.
Yet, as the digital divide widens, Africa risks being left behind. Technology entrepreneur Abasiama Idaresit, CEO of Wild Fusion Holdings, warns that without strategic investment in AI and data infrastructure, the continent could lose control of its digital sovereignty — and its future.
Africa’s Underinvestment in Data Infrastructure
Despite housing 17% of the world’s population, Africa accounts for just 1% of global digital infrastructure. This imbalance, Idaresit argues, leaves the continent vulnerable to digital colonization, biased algorithms, and economic dependency on external powers.
“Without consistent investment in data and AI systems, Africa will depend on others for the technology that shapes its destiny,” he explained. “That dependency will widen the poverty gap and drain economic value from the continent.”
AI, he noted, will soon power nearly every aspect of society — from healthcare and education to defence, agriculture, and creative industries. To secure its place in this future, Africa must invest now.
Turning Data into an Economic Asset
Idaresit urged African policymakers to treat data as the new oil — a resource that must be harnessed, not exported raw. Comparing data extraction to the export of unprocessed commodities, he warned that Africa could repeat the same historical mistakes if it doesn’t build capacity to refine and use its own data.
He emphasized that huge opportunities exist in the early stages of the AI value chain — particularly in data sourcing, labeling, cleaning, and preparation. These stages, often overlooked, are crucial for training accurate AI models and can generate billions in value.
“Data labeling alone is a $22.46 billion industry, growing at over 20% annually,” he said. “With Africa’s youthful population and competitive labor costs, we can capture a significant share of this market while ensuring diverse, representative datasets.”
African firms such as Lelapa and Sama already provide data annotation services for global AI companies — proof, he said, that the opportunity is real and scalable.
Building Digital Sovereignty and Inclusive AI
At the heart of Idaresit’s advocacy is digital sovereignty — the ability for nations to control their own data, protect intellectual property, and shape technologies that reflect their values.
“The core of AI is data accuracy,” he explained. “African companies that build precise and representative datasets are not just service providers; they are defenders of our technological independence.”
Speaking recently at a UN-backed AI for Developing Countries Conference in Vienna, Idaresit reiterated that Africa must define its digital destiny. “We missed the first three industrial revolutions. We cannot afford to miss the fourth,” he said.
A Call to Action for Policymakers and Investors
Across the continent, progress is emerging. The African Union has launched a continental AI strategy, and countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa are developing national AI frameworks.
Still, Idaresit insists that more must be done to attract both local and foreign investment. “Africa can — and must — become part of the global AI value chain,” he urged. “If we remain passive, we’ll face a future shaped by biased technologies that threaten our culture, economy, and identity.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder drawn from African wisdom:
“There is no beauty but the beauty of action.”
About Abasiama Idaresit
Abasiama Idaresit is the CEO of Wild Fusion Holdings, a technology and venture investment group with interests in digital banking, marketing, and training across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Recognized by the UN-backed MIPAD Top 100 and France’s Choiseul Institute’s Top 200 Under 40 Economic Leaders, he is a prominent advocate for digital inclusion and youth development.
Through his work with LEAP Africa, supported by Mastercard and the Gates Foundation, Idaresit continues to champion innovation, financial inclusion, and technology-driven progress across the continent.
