Using artificial intelligence to improve governance and public services in Africa.

Abstract

African governments continue to face persistent challenges in delivering efficient, transparent, and inclusive public services due to institutional constraints, rapid population growth, and fragmented administrative systems. At the same time, accelerating digital transformation and expanding data ecosystems create new opportunities for governance reform. This study examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing public sector performance across welfare targeting, healthcare delivery, tax administration, and urban governance. Drawing on a structured narrative literature review, the paper develops a conceptual framework that conceptualizes governance outcomes as a function of data availability, AI capability, institutional capacity, and human oversight. The findings suggest that AI can improve service delivery by enabling predictive decision-making, reducing administrative inefficiencies, and enhancing targeting accuracy. However, these benefits depend on the alignment between technological adoption and institutional readiness, as weak governance systems may amplify risks such as bias, exclusion, and accountability gaps. The study concludes that AI must be embedded in inclusive, context-sensitive governance strategies to support sustainable development outcomes in Africa.