Emmanuel Katto Highlights Need to Close Africa’s AI Talent Gap

KAMPALA, UGANDA, September 30th, 2026, FinanceWire

African entrepreneur and Safari Rally figure Emmanuel Katto is highlighting the need for greater investment in artificial intelligence education, digital skills and technology infrastructure as businesses across the continent increasingly adopt AI.

Africa currently accounts for an estimated 1% of the world’s AI talent, according to industry and development-sector research. Katto says addressing the shortage will require stronger connections between education, technology infrastructure and practical business applications.

“Africa’s technology ambitions must be matched by investment in people and skills,” said Emmanuel Katto. “AI can create significant opportunities for African businesses, but those opportunities depend on having professionals who can develop, implement and manage these technologies locally.”

The skills shortage is reflected in the continent’s education and technology landscape. A World Bank survey covering 174 African universities found that 31% offer dedicated AI programmes, while 34% offer data science degrees. An estimated 7% of Africa’s software developers are AI specialists, according to industry research.

Katto believes African businesses can play a greater role in developing practical technology capabilities by incorporating AI into their operations and creating opportunities for skilled professionals to gain experience with real-world systems.

His business interests have included enterprise IT, real estate, mining, procurement, power generation and renewable energy across Africa and Europe. These sectors increasingly require digital systems, data capabilities and technology professionals capable of supporting their growth.

Beyond professional training, Katto has also emphasized the importance of expanding access to education. Through the Emka Foundation, his philanthropic activities have included support for education and opportunities for underprivileged children.

The broader economic opportunity is significant. Research has projected that approximately 230 million new digital jobs could be created in Africa by 2030 as businesses increase their adoption of digital technologies and AI.

Katto says education will therefore need to be accompanied by access to computing infrastructure, data, laboratories, technology platforms and employment opportunities. He argues that developing these capabilities locally can help African businesses apply AI to areas including agriculture, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and other sectors.

“Developing AI talent is not only about producing graduates,” Katto said. “It is about creating an environment where those graduates can apply their knowledge, build businesses and develop solutions to challenges within their own communities.”

As AI adoption continues to expand globally, Katto is calling for greater collaboration among governments, businesses, educational institutions and technology organisations to strengthen Africa’s local AI ecosystem.

About Emmanuel Katto

Emmanuel Katto is an African entrepreneur and former Safari Rally competitor with business interests spanning technology, real estate, mining, procurement, power generation and renewable energy. He has also been involved in philanthropic initiatives focused on education through the Emka Foundation.

About Emka Foundation

The Emka Foundation supports education-focused initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for underprivileged children and communities.

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