Impact of artificial intelligence on sustainable development in African countries

The African continent continues to be characterized by imbalances in economic development and infrastructure challenges, while the high cost of internet access, skills shortages and technical skills hinder the adoption of artificial intelligence. Large-scale corruption and bureaucracy pose major challenges. Addressing these challenges will enable the development of a quality AI ecosystem and utilize the latest technologies to create new opportunities for the government, businesses and the African population. The main objective of this study is to identify the role of artificial intelligence in the inclusive and sustainable economic growth of African countries, and justify the feasibility of its adoption in their economies and infrastructure. The study of the artificial intelligence market in the countries of the region has shown that there is significant potential in the introduction of such technologies in various sectors of national economies There is unevenness in the readiness of countries for digital transformation and technology adoption due to different levels of investment opportunities of national economies, human potential, government policies on artificial intelligence, political stability and technological development. Based on expert assessments, three scenarios (conservative, confident and pessimistic) of economic development of African economies depending on the level of development of the artificial intelligence market in the region were drawn up. The factors negatively affecting the processes of digital transformation were identified; the directions of using artificial intelligence technologies to solve global problems and achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth of the African continent were substantiated.