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A new report by research firm Caribou Digital, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, reveals how specific components of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation can help to combat youth unemployment and drive economic growth in Africa.

With 60% of Africa’s population under 25 and the continent poised to double its tech-savvy youth demographic by 2030, the report, titled, The Role of AI Innovation Clusters in Fostering Youth Employment in Africa: Opportunities, Challenges, and Implications, outlines a roadmap for creating jobs through collaboration between governments, academia, Big Tech, and investors.

Key findings of the study spotlight grassroots AI communities like Data Science Africa and Deep Learning Indaba, which are fostering skills development and connecting local talent to global opportunities.

According to the report, Africa’s AI ecosystem is home to more than 127 hubs, with South Africa hosting the largest concentration (22%), followed by Nigeria (12%), Egypt (12%), and Kenya (10%).

The recommendations of the report include scaling AI-focused university programmes, prioritising investment in digital infrastructure, and ensuring equitable partnerships to position Africa as a competitive player in the global AI economy.