The use of generative artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly in Africa. Several countries on the continent are experiencing a marked increase in the use of tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Copilot.
However, this dynamic is accompanied by significant disparities with the most advanced economies, according to a report published by Microsoft.
According to the study "Global AI Diffusion Q1 2026 Trends and Insights," published on May 1, 2026, South Africa remains the African country with the highest adoption rate of generative AI. Between January and March 2026, 23.1% of South Africans aged 15 to 64 used these technologies, compared to 19.3% during the same period in 2025.
The report is based on anonymized telemetry data collected globally by Microsoft. The statistics were then adjusted according to several criteria, including internet penetration rate, use of connected devices, and national demographics.
Namibia and Gabon are among the most active countries
After South Africa, Namibia comes in second on the continent with a usage rate of 15.1%.
Libya and Gabon follow with 15% each, ahead of Egypt and Botswana, both at 14.8%. Senegal is also among the African countries most committed to the use of generative AI tools, with a rate of 13.9%.
Tunisia (13.5%) and Algeria (13.2%) complete this leading group. Zambia and Ivory Coast round out the African Top 10 with 13.1% of users.
According to Microsoft, this growth is mainly due to the spread of smartphones, the increase in digital usage and the growing interest of young people in conversational technologies and productivity tools.
The United Arab Emirates leads the world
Globally, the use of generative AI also continues to grow. The average adoption rate increased from 15.1% at the beginning of 2025 to 17.8% a year later.
The United Arab Emirates overwhelmingly dominates the global rankings with a usage rate of 70.1% among 15-64 year olds. Singapore follows with 63.4%, ahead of Norway (48.6%), Ireland (48.4%) and France (47.8%).
The report attributes these high levels to the quality of digital infrastructure, public policies that support innovation, and a greater availability of technological skills.
A digital divide that remains pronounced
Despite the progress observed in Africa and other regions of the South, Microsoft emphasizes that significant gaps remain between developed and developing countries.
In advanced economies, the average rate of generative AI usage reached 27.5% in the first quarter of 2026. In the Global South, it stands at 15.4%.
The report estimates that several obstacles continue to hinder the spread of these technologies: limited access to electricity, uneven quality of Internet connection, insufficient digital infrastructure and lack of training in technological skills.
Microsoft warns that without significant investment in these areas, the rise of artificial intelligence could exacerbate global economic imbalances rather than help reduce them.
