Title: Examining the key determinants of AI readiness in Africa

Authors: Ibrahim Alhassan; Ibrahim Osman Adam

Addresses: Department of Business Analytics and Management Information Systems, School of Business, University for Development Studies, Tamale, 00233, Ghana ' Department of Business Analytics and Management Information Systems, School of Business, University for Development Studies, Tamale, 00233, Ghana

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognised as a catalyst for economic and social advancement, yet significant gaps persist regarding its readiness in developing economies. Most current frameworks are designed for high-resource environments, rendering them inadequate for assessing Africa's unique and resource-limited conditions. We applied the technology-organisation- environment (TOE) framework and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess AI readiness across 54 African countries using data from the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index. Our analysis identified digital capacity and human capital as the most significant determinants of AI readiness, followed by governance, with infrastructure exerting the weakest influence. The validated model confirms the utility of the TOE framework at the national level, and offers strategic insights for policymakers, highlighting the necessity of prioritising investments in digital capacity, human capital, and governance reforms. Notably, this study is the first large-scale, context-specific assessment of African AI readiness employing these methodological approaches.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; AI readiness; TOE framework; digital capacity; Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISCM.2025.154292

International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management, 2025 Vol.15 No.3, pp.265 - 289

Received: 04 Nov 2024
Accepted: 19 Jun 2025
Published online: 19 Jun 2026 *

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