Africa's government AI tenders leave startups waiting months for payment

A GIZ and Briter report, AI Made in Africa, finds a gap between African governments' demand for AI and local startups' ability to deliver: 44% of surveyed firms target governments, but face long tenders, no advance payments and costly infrastructure. South Africa's CIPC chatbot tender and an 11-month SADC award worth $160,550 illustrate the problem.

• 44% of surveyed African AI firms target government clients; 32% prioritize public procurement access
• CIPC tender seeks a chatbot for 2M monthly interactions, paid 30 days after acceptance with no advance
• SADC awarded a $160,550 contract almost 11 months after publishing its notice
• Nairobi's ~$83.8M ITS tender is restricted to South Korean firms under EDCF financing