Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that is transforming various sectors globally, including Africa. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI can disrupt many sectors like financial services, health, construction, and more, by automating tasks, improving efficiency, and providing insights from large amounts of data. In Africa, AI is being harnessed to solve some of the continent's most pressing challenges and to drive growth in various sectors. Lets look at some of the startups using AI in Africa. 

1. DataProphet (South Africa, 2014)

DataProphet is a global leader in AI that enables manufacturers to step towards autonomous manufacturing. Their AI suite is proven to reduce defects and scrap by at least 50% and improve plant efficiency. Founded in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa, DataProphet has received numerous awards for its innovative solutions, including the AIconics award for Best Innovation in Deep Learning.

2. Aerobotics (South Africa, 2014)

Aerobotics is a South African company that uses AI to revolutionize the agriculture industry. Founded in 2014, the company uses drone and satellite imagery to provide farmers with early problem detection services, reducing crop loss and costs. The company's AI technology can identify pests and diseases in individual trees, allowing farmers to take targeted action.

3. InstaDeep (Tunisia, 2014)

InstaDeep, founded in 2014 in Tunisia, offers AI solutions in the areas of logistics, supply chain, retail, and energy. The company leverages reinforcement learning and deep learning to build AI systems that can make decisions in complex environments. InstaDeep has offices in several countries, including Tunisia, the UK, France, and South Africa.

4. OkHi (Kenya, 2014)

OkHi is a Kenyan startup that uses AI to solve the lack of physical addresses in Africa. Founded in 2014, the company has developed a unique geocoding system that uses a mobile phone's GPS and additional data to provide accurate location information. This solution is particularly useful for e-commerce, emergency services, and logistics companies.

5. Zindi (South Africa, 2018)

Zindi is a South African startup that hosts an online platform for data scientists in Africa to compete in solving complex data problems. Founded in 2018, Zindi harnesses the power of AI to solve real-world challenges in various sectors, including health, agriculture, and financial services. The platform currently has a community of over 12,000 data scientists.

6. Ubenwa (Nigeria, 2017)

Ubenwa is a Nigerian startup that uses AI to provide affordable and non-invasive diagnosis of birth asphyxia, a condition that causes about a million neonatal deaths annually. Founded in 2017, the company's solution analyzes a newborn's cry to determine the risk of birth asphyxia. This innovative use of AI has the potential to save many lives in regions where access to medical services is limited.

7. Aajoh (Nigeria, 2018)

Aajoh is a Nigerian startup that uses AI to provide health diagnosis. Founded in 2018, the company's AI-powered app allows users to get a diagnosis by simply describing their symptoms. The app also provides recommendations on what to do next, such as visiting a doctor or getting a prescription.

8. Kudi (Nigeria, 2016)

Kudi is a Nigerian fintech startup that uses AI to provide banking services. Founded in 2016, the company's AI-powered chatbot allows users to perform financial transactions such as money transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases via messaging platforms. Kudi aims to make banking services more accessible to the unbanked population in Africa.

9. Apollo Agriculture (Kenya, 2016)

Apollo Agriculture is a Kenyan startup that uses AI to help small-scale farmers maximize their profits. Founded in 2016, the company uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data and provide farmers with personalized advice on when to plant, fertilize, and harvest. The company also provides farmers with affordable credit.

10. JUMO (South Africa, 2015)

JUMO is a South African fintech startup that uses AI to provide financial services to people who are typically excluded from traditional banking systems. Founded in 2015, the company uses machine learning algorithms to analyze mobile phone data and determine a person's creditworthiness. JUMO offers a range of financial products, including loans, savings, and insurance.

AI is a powerful tool that can disrupt many sectors, including financial services, health, and construction. In Africa, numerous startups are harnessing the power of AI to solve some of the continent's most pressing challenges and drive growth in various sectors. These startups are not only contributing to the development of AI in Africa but are also playing a crucial role in the continent's digital transformation.