This week, universities, startups and innovators are turning ambition into action—launching AI research centres, developing home-grown technologies, expanding enterprise adoption and unlocking new opportunities in strategic sectors.
From healthcare and mining to education and accessibility, these stories highlight how African talent and innovation are building practical AI solutions with the potential to drive inclusive growth and strengthen the continent's digital future.
South African inventor Elihle Stali is moving closer to commercialising his AI-powered smart glasses after securing a potential international manufacturing partnership for Spectacles4TheBlindSA. The 24-year-old innovator, inspired by his visually impaired grandmother, showcased the technology at Hong Kong’s LEAP East programme, where he engaged with investors and electronics manufacturers from several countries. The wearable uses computer vision and object recognition to describe surroundings and help visually impaired users navigate independently. If negotiations are finalised, the partnership would enable mass production, taking the device beyond the prototype stage and improving accessibility for users. Stali’s journey highlights the growing global interest in African-built AI solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with social impact to address real-world challenges.
The University of Benin has unveiled a 65 million USD Trust Development Fund to drive its next phase of growth, with prominent alumni Tom Ilube and Hakeem Belo-Osagie backing plans to establish a new Artificial Intelligence Centre. The initiative will support AI research, digital skills development and innovation while funding critical infrastructure, student accommodation, scholarships and renewable energy projects. By mobilising alumni, industry and development partners, UNIBEN aims to reduce its dependence on public funding and strengthen its position as a leading research university. The launch reflects a broader trend across Africa, where universities are investing in AI capabilities to prepare graduates for the digital economy and foster home-grown innovation that addresses the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Artificial intelligence could help Africa unlock the full value of its critical mineral reserves while saving the global mining industry up to US$390 billion annually, according to McKinsey & Company’s report, African Bedrock: How the Continent’s Minerals Can Help Power the World. The report says AI can accelerate mineral exploration, optimise extraction, improve worker safety and enable predictive maintenance to reduce costs and boost productivity. Despite holding more than a quarter of the world’s critical minerals, Africa still faces infrastructure, financing and regulatory challenges. McKinsey argues that combining AI with targeted investment and supportive policies could help African countries capture more value from the global demand for minerals essential to AI, clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing, rather than exporting raw materials alone.
Nigerian AI startup Decide has launched Decide for Work, an enterprise offering that brings its spreadsheet AI assistant into workplaces through a partnership with CafeOne, Nigeria’s largest co-working network. The rollout gives eligible members premium access to AI-powered spreadsheet analysis and research tools, as the startup expands into universities, professional communities and businesses seeking to embed AI into everyday workflows.
Zimbabwean startup ActivitIA is making it easier for people to discover and share real-world activities happening nearby. Founded in 2025, the platform enables users to create, browse and join events ranging from sports and markets to church gatherings and community activities. By centralising fragmented event information, ActivitIA aims to strengthen local connections and build a social layer around everyday experiences.
Keep sparking the AI revolution. Together, we’re shaping Africa’s digital destiny.
Stay sharp,
The iAfrica AI Insider Team
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