Using artificial intelligence to improve governance and public services in Africa

Area of Science:

• Public Administration and Governance
• Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
• Development Studies

Background:

• African governments face challenges in public service delivery due to institutional constraints and administrative fragmentation.
• Digital transformation and data ecosystems present new avenues for governance reform in Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing public sector performance in Africa.
• To explore AI's application in welfare targeting, healthcare, tax administration, and urban governance.

Main Methods:

• Structured narrative literature review.
• Development of a conceptual framework linking governance outcomes to data availability, AI capability, institutional capacity, and human oversight.

Main Results:

• AI can enhance public service delivery through predictive decision-making, reduced inefficiencies, and improved targeting accuracy.
• Benefits of AI are contingent on aligning technological adoption with institutional readiness.
• Weak governance systems can amplify AI-related risks, including bias, exclusion, and accountability gaps.

Conclusions:

• AI adoption in African public sectors requires inclusive and context-sensitive governance strategies.
• Successful AI integration is crucial for achieving sustainable development outcomes in Africa.
• Addressing institutional readiness and potential risks is paramount for leveraging AI effectively.