So personally, $4 billion is a lot of money. But apparently that’s a ‘conservative number’ to make in 6 months or less 😃 (I wanttt 😩). That’s because Africa‘s AI moment is here, not in some distant future. It’s a conversation happening right now, and I’m happy to be a part of it!
When Mark Elliott, President of mastercard Africa, sat down with me, we had an honest discussion about what AI could mean for a continent with a median age of 19, and pinpointed where digital fluency is already driving world-class innovation. And, of course, where the investment opportunities lie.
The white paper Mastercard recently launched, ‘Harnessing the Transformative Power of AI in Africa,’ outlines the infrastructure, skills, policies, and partnerships needed to turn AI from a buzzword into real, inclusive growth across all sectors.
I’ve always approached this topic with optimism, but even I sometimes struggle to fully believe in its potential, despite working in the industry. That belief – and the action it inspires – will determine whether young Africans become builders, not just consumers, of this technology. Whether AI creates jobs and solves problems here, and whether we can shape it to our realities before others define it for us. I encourage you to believe it too.If you care about the future of work, possibility, and innovation on this continent, this 10-minute conversation is worth your time.
I also loved seeing this video gain traction on instagram & TikTok, platforms where so many young Africans are active!
https://za.linkedin.com/in/mark-elliott-bbb63826
https://ke.linkedin.com/in/philip-thigo
https://ke.linkedin.com/in/jean-kyula-38ab8888
https://ke.linkedin.com/in/shehryarbakhtali