AI Report on Southern Africa http://misa.org associated with the lack of access to electricity and low investment in internet infrastructure, such as fibre-optic cables, cell towers, and base stations. According to the World Bank, approximately 100 million Africans living in remote regions lack access to mobile cellular networks, necessitating an investment of at least $100 billion to provide access to this marginalised group of people. Hence, digital infrastructural limitations in Africa affect the adoption and implementation of AI development within the continent. Many parts of the region have no internet connectivity, and most rural areas are far from the electricity grid. The issues in the region’s technology pillar can be addressed as we advance technology through satellite internet and solar energy. During the Harare, Bulawayo, and Johannesburg meetings, participants observed that most people in southern Africa use their mobile phones for internet access. Most devices have low memory, and some are feature phones with access to only WhatsApp. Technological advancement necessitates the acquisition of technical skills. Business and IT leaders in Africa agree that to achieve the adoption and use of AI technologies, stakeholders’ knowledge bases must be changed or improved (Muzikandaba 2019)3. This can be achieved through targeted training programmes and educational initiatives focusing on building the region’s technical skills. Additionally, investment in infrastructure development, such as expanding broadband coverage and improving access to affordable smartphones, will also play a crucial role in enabling the widespread adoption of advanced technologies like AI in southern Africa. One of the key essential competencies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era is programming skills. Moreover, Bianco (2021) stated that a significant obstacle to the acceptance of AI, a cutting-edge technology, is the need for more expertise. Every project necessitates the appropriate skills to achieve success, and artificial intelligence is no exception. Artificial intelligence (AI) abilities are among the most challenging skills to acquire, and there is unquestionably an imbalance between the demand and supply of these skills in the market. As a new and rapidly developing innovation, AI will enhance current job opportunities while generating new ones, requiring individuals to acquire new skill sets. The participants at the Johannesburg meeting agreed that to bridge this skills gap, it is crucial for educational institutions and organisations to offer comprehensive training programmes and courses on AI. Additionally, governments and businesses should collaborate to create initiatives that promote AI skills development, such as funding research projects and providing incentives for individuals to pursue careers in this field. By investing in the development of AI expertise, we can ensure a smooth transition into an AI-driven future and maximise the potential benefits it offers. Based on a poll conducted by Gartner Research Circle, 56% of respondents consider acquiring new skills crucial for successfully performing both current and newly created professions. 3 Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Emerging Challenges https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-08215-3_5 9