Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East and Africa: Needs and Requirements

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region presents a unique set of needs and opportunities for generative artificial intelligence (AI), driven by economic diversification, digital transformation, and social challenges. Key sectors such as health care, education, finance, and governance require AI-driven solutions tailored to linguistic, cultural, and infrastructural nuances. In the Middle East, AI is central to national visions like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the United Arab Emirates’s (UAE’s) AI strategy, strengthening innovation in smart cities and cybersecurity. Africa, with its diverse economies and growing tech hubs, demands AI for localized content creation, agricultural optimization, and financial inclusion. Addressing data scarcity, ethical AI deployment, and skill development remains critical for Africa. A region-specific approach to generative AI can enhance economic growth, societal well-being, and sustainable development in MEA.