Institutional AI in East Africa

The pilot trap

Pilot projects dominate AI announcements in East Africa. They demonstrate technology, not sustainability. When donor funding or vendor support ends, the system usually ends with it.

Public-sector AI requires clear accountability before any model is deployed. Government data belongs to the institution, not the vendor. Successful pilots should produce sealed fixed-scope operating agreements with named sponsors, budgeted Day 90 evaluation, and documented exit processes.