SAP Reports Africa’s AI Could Generate $1.5 Trillion Growth by 2030 If Skills Gap Is Addressed

A new study from SAP has projected that artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute up to $1.5 trillion in economic growth across Africa by 2030, but warns that this potential will only be realized if the continent urgently addresses its AI skills gap.

According to the report, Africa is experiencing a surge in AI adoption across industries like fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and public services. From AI-powered chatbots improving banking access to precision farming tools tackling food insecurity, the continent is proving fertile ground for AI-driven innovation. Yet, while adoption is accelerating, the availability of skilled AI professionals remains critically low.

Currently, Africa accounts for less than 1% of global AI talent, creating a bottleneck for scaling solutions and attracting sustained investment. SAP stresses that without significant investment in digital literacy, advanced AI training, and research ecosystems, the continent risks falling behind in harnessing AI’s full benefits.

“AI is not just a technology trend, it’s an economic revolution. For Africa to unlock $1.5 trillion in growth, governments, businesses, and academic institutions must prioritize workforce development and inclusive innovation,” said Claudio Muruzabal, President of SAP EMEA South.

The report also emphasizes the need for open data policies, cloud infrastructure, and regional collaboration to ensure AI solutions are developed in ways that reflect Africa’s unique cultural and socio-economic realities.

If these challenges are addressed, SAP predicts that AI could transform key economies like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa into global AI hubs, positioning Africa as a leader in responsible and inclusive innovation.