Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world, with tools like ChatGPT leading the charge in education, creativity, and business productivity. However, Africa faces a mixed reality. According to Business Insider Africa, nine African nations currently restrict access to ChatGPT—limiting the potential benefits of AI for millions of people.
Which Countries Are Restricted?
The list includes nations where regulatory concerns, political caution, or limited digital infrastructure have slowed down ChatGPT adoption. These restrictions highlight both governance challenges and fears of misinformation or uncontrolled AI growth.
Here are the nine African countries where ChatGPT access is restricted, according to a July 2025 Cybernews report as reported by Business Insider Africa:
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Eritrea — Blocked by government due to limited internet infrastructure and state-controlled information systems.
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Libya — Blocked due to political instability and regulatory ambiguity.
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Eswatini — Blocked, with factors including a small market size, regulatory uncertainty, and lack of OpenAI presence.
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Burundi — Blocked, with underdeveloped infrastructure and scant digital policy in place.
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South Sudan — Blocked amidst ongoing conflict and poor digital infrastructure.
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Sudan — Blocked under authoritarian governance and conflict-induced disruptions.
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Central African Republic — Blocked due to fragile governance and limited tech infrastructure.
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Chad — Blocked amid restricted internet access and political interference.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) — Blocked, attributed to sanctions, poor infrastructure, and minimal digital regulation.
The Risks of Limited Access
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Widening Digital Divide – While countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa push forward with AI adoption, others risk being left behind.
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Missed Educational Opportunities – ChatGPT is already saving educators in the U.S. up to six hours weekly. African students and teachers could benefit from similar productivity boosts.
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Economic Impact – Restricting AI stifles innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital economies in nations already striving to compete globally.
Opportunities for Africa
Despite restrictions, African innovators continue to adapt:
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Localized AI Models – Developers are creating homegrown AI trained on African languages and contexts.
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Policy Momentum – Countries are drafting AI strategies to balance innovation with ethical oversight.
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Diaspora Contributions – African professionals abroad are increasingly bridging knowledge gaps, bringing skills back home.
What This Means for Africa’s Future
The AI revolution cannot be ignored. Restricting ChatGPT may protect against short-term risks, but it could also isolate nations from global progress. For Africa to thrive, governments must embrace AI responsibly—creating regulatory frameworks that safeguard citizens while unlocking opportunities for education, commerce, and cultural empowerment.
At ADUNAGOW Magazine, we believe Africa must not just consume AI, but create AI—solutions rooted in African values, languages, and realities.
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