Withanage Foundation launches $500M African AI program

The Swiss-based Withanage Foundation has launched a new research and development initiative aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa, focusing on agriculture, finance, and governance.

This launch comes ahead of the expected introduction of a $500 million investment fund led by the Withanage family office, set to bolster AI, gamification, and tokenisation platforms across the continent.

The Withanage family office has already invested $20 million in an AI and data analytics platform designed to enhance government decision-making.

The foundation’s broader research efforts will prioritise using AI to support data-driven innovations in African sectors such as agriculture and finance.

Program coordinator Rayo Withanage emphasised the foundation’s commitment to leveraging technology for social good.

“AI is on the cutting edge of advances in technology. At the Foundation, we are keen to focus on the potential positive impact of AI. We believe philanthropic actors in the technology space could transform the way proprietary technology is used to benefit and improve lives around the world,” Withanage stated.

This initiative aligns with the African Union’s (AU) ongoing efforts to build AI capabilities, which include the approval of the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and African Digital Compact in July.

The strategy is designed to help African nations adopt AI while protecting cultural and linguistic diversity.

Despite these positive steps, challenges persist.

A report by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) identified key obstacles to AI growth in Africa, such as the availability of data in local languages and the shortage of skilled professionals.

Nardos Bekele, CEO of NEPAD, also noted that fragmented digital infrastructure and ethical considerations could impede AI adoption.