If you’ve been following the latest publications on AI in Africa, you might feel conflicted about this technology's potential impact on the continent. While some argue that AI might leave Africa behind, others, such as a recent report by GSMA, see immense potential, projecting that AI could contribute up to $2.9 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. Faced with these contrasting views, it’s easy to wonder where to place your bets. In my view, there’s a lot to gain, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—often dubbed the “sleeping giant”—could play a leading role in this revolution.
With the fourth largest population in Africa and abundant resources, the DRC is often talked about as a land of untapped potential. Yet, the country’s progress has long been hindered by high costs and the vast sums required to drive development. This is where AI steps in. By automating processes, optimizing resource use, and providing data-driven insights, AI can significantly lower the costs associated with various activities, making it easier for the DRC to take bold steps toward realizing its potential.
In the DRC, only about 10% of the 80 million hectares of arable land is currently cultivated, meaning the country struggles not only to feed its own population but also misses the chance to become Africa’s breadbasket. In the DRC, like in much of sub-Saharan Africa, up to 80% of food is produced by smallholder farmers who often use traditional techniques and lack access to information that would help improve yields. AI-powered solutions, like machine learning-enabled digital advisory services, offer farm-level insights that help farmers adopt climate-smart practices, optimize productivity, and tackle food insecurity. By scaling these innovations, the DRC could not only feed itself but also take significant strides toward awakening the sleeping giant.
The healthcare sector in the DRC stands to benefit significantly from AI, much like other African countries that have already seen positive impacts. In Kenya, AI models are being used to make ultrasounds more accessible in under-resourced settings, and in South Africa, AI-powered screenings are catching tuberculosis early, reducing its spread. With an average of just 0.36 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants compared to the global average of 1.7, the DRC faces critical healthcare gaps. AI can help bridge these gaps by improving diagnostics, predicting disease outbreaks, and optimizing medical supply chains, ultimately saving lives and supporting the giant’s awakening.
Financial inclusion remains a significant challenge in the DRC, where over 90% of the population is unbanked and cash transactions dominate the economy. However, AI can revolutionize financial services by creating tailored solutions that bring more people into the formal financial sector. AI-driven mobile banking platforms can offer user-friendly services that are accessible even in remote areas, helping unbanked populations open accounts, access micro-loans, and save securely. By focusing on these inclusive, locally relevant innovations, AI can empower Congolese people to participate in the formal economy, driving growth and financial stability—another key step toward awakening the sleeping giant.
While the potential of AI in the DRC is vast, it’s not guaranteed. The impact of AI depends heavily on the country taking proactive steps, particularly in terms of policies and data availability. Only eight of Africa’s 54 countries have established national AI strategies—Rwanda, Benin, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. This means the DRC still has the opportunity to shape its own AI future by developing supportive policies. In the meantime, the country can learn from how innovation has flourished elsewhere, often in the absence of early policy guidance. Governments tend to act retrospectively, creating policies in response to emerging trends, so waiting for policy signals may only slow progress. The DRC must prioritize innovation now and trust that the policies will follow.
However, the lack of relevant data remains perhaps the biggest challenge. AI solutions and products are only as good as the data that feeds them, making it essential for the DRC to develop innovative ways of capturing and maintaining accurate, up-to-date information. For example, many low- and middle-income countries, including the DRC—a nation the size of Western Europe—often have outdated or incomplete population registers, with the last census conducted in 1984. Without granular population data, critical decisions such as resource allocation, school planning, and healthcare positioning are made blindly. Innovative approaches to data collection, from leveraging satellite imagery to crowdsourcing community data, could provide the foundation needed to ensure AI models reflect the realities of the DRC. Addressing this data gap is crucial; without relevant and accurate data, AI might remain another missed opportunity to awaken the sleeping giant.
Seizing the Future: A Call to Action for the DRC’s AI RevolutionThe DRC stands on the brink of a technological revolution. By investing in data, fostering innovation, and creating an enabling environment through policies, AI could be the key to finally awakening the sleeping giant. The path forward requires action from all sectors—government, businesses, and individuals alike. The potential is vast, but it’s up to the DRC to seize it. The future is within reach; let’s make sure this giant doesn’t sleep through it.
