2025 Q3 AI in Africa Summary Report
In Q3 2025, regulation remained a defining theme in Africa’s AI landscape. Cameroon became the only country to launch a new national AI strategy this quarter, while others, such as Zimbabwe and Uganda, advanced draft and assessment documents.
Governments also moved to establish AI-specific regulatory authorities and tools, with South Africa launching its National AI Stakeholder Forum, Nigeria strengthening its AI governance frameworks, and Malawi preparing a regulatory sandbox.
Sector-specific regulations, particularly in the education sector, were also observed. ECOWAS began drafting a regional legal framework for AI in education, Tanzania rolled out a classroom-focused AI framework, and Zambia initiated discussions on a policy for generative AI in higher education. These developments underscore how education has become a testing ground for responsible AI regulation on the continent.
Data governance and protection also continued to evolve in tandem with AI regulation. With Egypt adopting its first National Open Data Policy, Senegal deepening cooperation with international bodies on AI and data, and the PanAfrican Parliament emphasizing data sovereignty, it is clear that the lines between AI and data regulation are increasingly blurred. Strong data frameworks are proving indispensable to building trusted and effective AI ecosystems.
