Between 1990 and 2020, 78% of funding dedicated to climate research in Africa went to institutions based in the Global North (ReliefWeb). This is probably the case across other sectors. With the rapid emergence of AI and other advanced technologies, this trend could worsen, deepening the digital divide and limiting Africa’s ability to develop homegrown solutions. At Nest Africa AI Innovation Lab, we are committed to reversing this pattern. Our mission is to lead applied AI research and develop cutting-edge solutions tailored to Africa’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, sustainable resource management, and digital inclusion. We are committed to fostering local innovation, capacity-building, and ensuring that AI’s transformative potential benefits Africa first—for Africa, by Africa.
The challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and energy access in Africa are complex and interwoven, requiring AI-driven solutions tailored to the continent’s unique realities. Africa’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, declining agricultural yields, and energy deficits is exacerbated by the severe lack of high-quality climate data and the limited representation of African challenges in global AI research. Without access to localized, data-driven insights, decision-makers struggle to implement effective policies, and communities remain ill-equipped to adapt to environmental changes.
At NestAI LAB, we are bridging this gap by leveraging AI to address Africa’s most pressing sustainability challenges. We develop AI models to predict climate risks, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve biodiversity conservation. Through data innovation, we build AI-ready climate datasets and analytics tools that empower researchers, policymakers, and businesses with actionable insights. Our AI-driven clean energy solutions optimize smart grids and renewable energy systems to accelerate the transition toward sustainable power. Beyond research, we invest in capacity building, equipping researchers, policymakers, and developers with AI skills to drive long-term impact. By integrating AI, data science, and sustainability, NestAI LAB is fostering a resilient future where technology empowers communities to thrive in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.