As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, it is transforming markets, labor systems, and power relations across Africa. Understanding the economic dimensions of these changes is becoming increasingly important in shaping inclusive growth, effective governance and sustainable development on the continent.
In response to this need, the Global Center for AI Governance is partnering with Wits Plus and the University of the Witwatersrand to offer a fully funded short course on the economics of artificial intelligence in Africa.
The program is designed to provide participants with the analytical tools and policy-relevant insights needed to understand how AI is reshaping African economies.
Economics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa: Course Overview
This 5-week intensive online course explores the economic impact of AI adoption and governance in Africa. We combine expert instruction, applied case studies, and interactive discussions to help you address important real-world challenges and opportunities.
Participants will develop the ability to analyze AI-driven market transformation, assess labor and trade impacts, and evaluate policy responses in African and global contexts.
The economics of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa: who should apply?
This course is designed for a diverse group of professionals and researchers, including:
Civil servants and policy makers Experts from regional and international organizations Staff from international development agencies Private sector practitioners Academic researchers and policy analysts
Participants should have an interest in AI, economic policy, development, and governance, and a desire to critically engage with how emerging technologies will impact African economies.
What participants will get
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Analyze how AI will impact Africa’s economic development path Interpret changes in markets, labor relations, and investment patterns Engage in informed discussions about AI-related policy and regulatory issues Assess the broader social and economic impacts of AI deployment
Successful participants will receive a competency certificate upon completion of the program.
Covers key topics
The course curriculum includes, but is not limited to:
AI and economic development in Africa Financing, investment and innovation ecosystem Regional trade integration and digital markets Market power, fair competition and regulation Data economy and digital infrastructure Governance, ethics and responsible AI Intellectual property and innovation policy Labor markets, skills and the future of work Sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship
Course structure and delivery
Format: Fully online Duration: 5 weeks Teaching approach: Expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, and applied case studies Faculty: Leading academics and practitioners from Africa and the world
The virtual format allows for participation from across the continent and abroad while maintaining a highly interactive learning environment.
Important dates and practical information
Application deadline: February 9, 2026 Course dates: March 2 – April 2, 2026 Delivery mode: Virtual Locations available: 25 participants Cost: Fully funded (scholarship available)
Space is limited, so we recommend that you apply early.
This short course provides a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge thinking on AI and economics from an African perspective, while connecting with a network of policymakers, experts, and academics working at the forefront of AI governance and development.
This five-week fully online program combines expert-led lectures, interactive discussions, and applied case studies to explore the economic, social, and regulatory aspects of AI adoption across the continent.
Participants will develop the ability to analyze AI-driven market transformation, assess labor and trade impacts, and evaluate policy responses in both African and global contexts.
This course is ideal for civil servants, policy makers, professionals from regional and international organizations, development agency staff, private sector practitioners, academic researchers and policy analysts interested in AI, economic policy, development and governance. By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
Analyze how AI will impact Africa’s economic development paths and investment patterns Interpret changes in markets, workforce dynamics, and trade ecosystems Engage in informed discussions about AI policy, governance, and regulatory frameworks Assess the broader social, ethical, and economic impacts of AI adoption
Key topics covered include AI and economic development, financing and innovation ecosystems, regional trade and digital markets, market forces and competition regulation, data economy and digital infrastructure, governance and responsible AI, intellectual property and innovation policy, labor markets and the future of work, and sustainable entrepreneurship. Successful participants will be awarded a competency certificate.
For more opportunities like this, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not a fellowship organization. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application to GSO as they cannot process it. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
