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Artificial Intelligence - South Africa

South Africa
  • The market size in the Artificial Intelligence market is projected to reach US$1.04bn in 2025.
  • The market size is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2031) of 26.22%, resulting in a market volume of US$4.19bn by 2031.
  • In global comparison, the largest market size will be United States (US$73.98bn in 2025).

Value

Notes: The chart “Comparable Estimates” shows the forecasted development of the selected market from different sources. Please see the additional information for methodology and publication date.

Most recent update: Mar 2024

Market Size

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Mar 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Mar 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Users

Most recent update: Mar 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Annual AI Publications

Most recent update: Mar 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The Artificial Intelligence market in South Africa is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing adoption of digital technologies, rising awareness of health issues, and the convenience of online services. Factors such as AI Robotics, Autonomous & Sensor Technology, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing and Generative AI are contributing to the elevated growth rate of the market.

Customer preferences:
As South Africa continues to embrace the potential of Artificial Intelligence, there has been a noticeable shift towards personalized and tailored solutions in various industries. This is in response to the diverse cultural landscape and evolving lifestyle factors in the country. Additionally, there is a growing demand for AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots to enhance customer service and support. This trend is driven by the need for efficient and convenient ways to interact with businesses, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trends in the market:
In South Africa, there is a growing trend of using Artificial Intelligence in various industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail. Companies are increasingly adopting AI technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the government also investing in initiatives to develop the country's AI capabilities. This presents significant opportunities for industry stakeholders, but also raises concerns about potential job displacement and the need for proper regulations and ethical guidelines.

Local special circumstances:
In South Africa, the Artificial Intelligence market is experiencing significant growth due to the country's rapid adoption of digital technologies and its efforts to promote innovation. The government has launched initiatives to support AI development, such as the establishment of an AI research center and investment in AI education and training. Additionally, the country's diverse population and unique cultural landscape have led to the development of AI solutions tailored to the needs of different communities, such as AI-powered language translation for the country's 11 official languages. Regulatory factors, such as data protection laws, also play a crucial role in shaping the AI market in South Africa.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The Artificial Intelligence market in South Africa is greatly impacted by macroeconomic factors such as technological advancements, government support, and investments in digital infrastructure. Countries with favorable economic conditions and robust investments in AI technologies are experiencing rapid market growth, while regions with regulatory barriers and limited funding are facing slower growth. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and aging population in the country are driving the demand for AI solutions to enhance healthcare access and outcomes. These factors are expected to continue shaping the growth of the Artificial Intelligence market in South Africa.

Global Comparison

Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Mar 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Methodology

Data coverage: The data encompasses B2B, B2G, and B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the funding values from different industries for the market.

Modeling approach / Market size:Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach with a bottom-up validation, building on a specific rationale for each market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports, funding data, and third-party data. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations such as GDP, number of internet users, number of secure internet servers, and internet penetration. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited to forecast digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are the level of digitalization, the number of secure internet servers, and the revenue of the Public Cloud market.

Additional Notes: The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the market is updated on an ad-hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Data from the Statista Consumer Insights Global survey is weighted for representativeness.

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Key Market Indicators

Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

Most recent update: Jan 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

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