At the heart of Africa’s ongoing struggle with climate change, a new ally is emerging—artificial intelligence. As the continent faces mounting environmental challenges, from devastating storms to unpredictable droughts, experts and farmers alike are turning to AI-powered solutions to shore up resilience in agriculture and energy sectors. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the fields of Malawi, where innovative technology is helping small-scale farmers adapt to a rapidly changing world.
At the second Africa Climate Summit held in 2025, a chorus of experts underscored the urgent need to harness AI to bolster Africa’s ability to cope with climate shocks. According to a report by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, panellists at the summit didn’t mince words about the stakes. They highlighted AI’s potential to improve climate forecasting, sharpen resource management, and, perhaps most crucially, accelerate the continent’s shift towards renewable energy.
Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General of the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD), captured the optimism in the room. “AI could transform climate prediction,” he said, pointing to the technology’s capacity to crunch vast amounts of data and generate more accurate weather forecasts. Such improvements are not just academic; for millions of Africans whose livelihoods depend on the land, better predictions can mean the difference between feast and famine.
But the promise of AI extends beyond the weather. Emmanuel Manasseh, Africa Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), drew attention to the role of AI in optimizing energy use and developing so-called “smart cities”—a pressing issue as Africa’s urban centers swell at unprecedented rates. “AI’s role in optimizing energy use and developing smart cities amid rapid urbanization cannot be overstated,” Manasseh noted, emphasizing that smarter energy grids could help cities manage demand, reduce waste, and cut emissions.
These high-level discussions are already bearing fruit on the ground. In Malawi, where the scars of climate disaster are fresh, AI is helping farmers like Alex Maere rebuild and adapt. Maere, a 59-year-old father of five, saw his world upended when Cyclone Freddy tore through southern Malawi in 2023. The floods stripped his small farm in the foothills of Mount Mulanje of its precious topsoil, reducing his once-robust corn harvest from 850 kilograms per season to a meager 8 kilograms. “This is not a joke,” Maere recalled, describing how his land became a wasteland of sand and rocks.
The devastation jolted Maere—and many like him—into action. Determined not to be caught off guard again, he joined thousands of small-scale farmers across Malawi who are now using a generative AI chatbot developed by the non-profit Opportunity International. This digital assistant, accessible from even the most basic smartphones, offers real-time farming advice tailored to local conditions. For Maere and his peers, the technology is proving to be a lifeline, helping them identify crop diseases early and forecast droughts before they strike.
The chatbot’s impact is already being felt. Farmers can snap photos of sickly plants and receive instant diagnoses, complete with recommendations for treatment. The AI system also crunches weather data to predict dry spells, giving farmers precious time to adjust planting schedules or conserve water. As one farmer put it, "The advice has helped me avoid losing my crop again." For a country where food insecurity is a constant threat, these small victories add up.
But as the experts at the Africa Climate Summit made clear, technology alone isn’t enough. Access to quality data, modern computing capacity, and robust governance frameworks are all essential ingredients for success. The panelists urged policymakers to prioritize investment in AI-driven agricultural projects, such as virtual advisory platforms for farmers, and to create environments where innovation can flourish.
One major theme that emerged from the summit was the need for closer cooperation among African nations. Sharing data and best practices could help countries leapfrog over traditional barriers to development, drawing lessons from successful models elsewhere. “We must learn from each other and work together to fully realize AI’s potential in addressing climate challenges,” one panellist urged, echoing calls for a pan-African approach.
Of course, these ambitions are not without hurdles. Many African countries still struggle with limited internet access, unreliable electricity, and a shortage of skilled technicians. There’s also the question of trust—convincing farmers who have relied on traditional methods for generations to embrace new technologies is no small feat. Yet, as Malawi’s experience shows, necessity is often the mother of invention. When disaster strikes and old ways fail, even the most skeptical are willing to try something new if it promises hope.
AI’s applications in Africa are not limited to agriculture. In the energy sector, smart grids powered by AI algorithms are helping utilities manage fluctuating supply and demand, integrate renewable sources, and reduce outages. Urban planners are using AI to design more efficient transportation networks, cut congestion, and lower emissions. Meanwhile, researchers are exploring how machine learning can help track disease outbreaks, monitor deforestation, and predict floods—all with the goal of building a more resilient continent.
There’s also a growing recognition that AI must be developed and deployed responsibly. The experts at the summit warned that without strong governance frameworks, there’s a risk of exacerbating existing inequalities or creating new ones. Ensuring that smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized communities have access to these tools is critical. “AI can only deliver on its promise if it is inclusive and equitable,” one speaker cautioned, a sentiment that resonated throughout the event.
As Africa stands at the crossroads of climate adaptation and digital transformation, the stakes could hardly be higher. The continent’s population is projected to double by 2050, putting enormous pressure on food systems, infrastructure, and natural resources. At the same time, Africa is home to some of the world’s youngest and fastest-growing tech sectors, brimming with talent and ingenuity.
For farmers like Alex Maere, the future is uncertain but not without hope. With the help of AI, he and his neighbors are learning new ways to cope with an unpredictable climate, turning adversity into opportunity. It’s a story that’s playing out across the continent—one where tradition meets technology, and where the seeds of resilience are being sown, one byte at a time.
As Africa embraces AI to confront the twin challenges of climate change and development, the world will be watching to see whether this grand experiment can deliver on its promise. For now, the early signs are encouraging—and for those on the frontlines, every harvest saved is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of adaptation.
