The Future of AI in Education for the Next Decade: A Qualitative Study of African Researchers’ Perspectives on Equitable Learning Environments

Despite the central role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in global education, its impact on Africa remains underexplored. This chapter examines the perspectives of experts in African educational technology on the impact of AI on equitable education in the coming decade. Using qualitative interviews with 11 Associates and Professors across six countries – Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya – the study highlights African viewpoints that are often overlooked in global discussions. Using a blended approach that utilizes the Technology Acceptance Model, Equity Theory, Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, and Digital Divide Theory to inform an integrated approach to the problem, the experts’ responses were thematically analyzed. Five major themes were identified: (1) the importance of appropriately shielding and protecting the early stages of a child’s learning from the unregulated exposure to AI; (2) the potential of AI to transform pedagogy and achieve resources; (3) the need to align with Africa’s infrastructural, cultural, and linguistic realities; (4) design justice and the ethics of AI technology; and (5) the importance of pedagogy and policy in AI utilization. Protection versus progress, equity versus excellence, and autonomy versus dependence are paradoxes that define the African educational context of AI. The chapter contributes to global debates on AI in education by focusing on Africa while underscoring the importance of equity-oriented approaches. It presents actionable advice to policymakers, teachers, and technology experts on culturally appropriate and sustainable AI applications in education throughout Africa.