•Google announces VEO 3, the latest AI tool for surreal video generation
• Experts warn that deepfakes can destabilize Africa's democracy and markets
African Union encourages stronger investment in AI monitoring and detection tools
Since 2020, Africa has been closely monitoring the rapid rise of artificial intelligence innovation. First came AI models that produced realistic text, followed by tools that created memorable images. Video generation is now in the spotlight. At the Google I/O 2025 event held in California from May 20-21, Google introduced the latest AI-powered tools that allow you to create high-resolution videos with natural, realistic audio. This shows a significant improvement over its predecessor, the VEO 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odyroow1dco
“We are joining in a new era of creation by combining audio and video generation.” During the announcement of VEO 3, Josh Woodward, vice president of Google Labs and Gemini, highlighted how the tool generates “surreal” videos.
Along with VEO 3, Google will be taking part in a fierce competition for AI video creators. Other players include Synthesia, known for producing videos with very realistic avatars. Heygen offers multilingual dubbing with personalized avatars. Runways that provide advanced creative tools. Kling AI specializes in high quality video generation.
These platforms have already attracted the interest of African content creators, filmmakers and media experts. But beyond their creative possibilities, they reveal surreal fake videos that continue to improve the incredible refinement of deep adventure techniques, quality. Africa is no longer protected from this threat. This is because deepfakes are deployed for a variety of, often harmful purposes.
In a world where voices, gestures and faces can be manipulated digitally with shocking accuracy, the question is not whether African society will no longer be affected by this digital revolution, but whether it is ready to handle it.
Deepfake: A new era of fantasy
In a blend of the terms deep fake, deep learning and fake, see video, images, or audio content that has been altered or fully created by artificial intelligence that looks authentic. Thanks to the breakthroughs of generative AI, anyone can effectively say or do something on screen with incredible realism.
These technologies provide exciting opportunities for film, education and gaming, but also serve as powerful disinformation tools that are particularly dangerous in areas with vulnerable institutions and unequal levels of digital literacy.
Legal expert and digital law expert Raphael Nkolwoudou Afane raised concerns about the impact of deepfakes on Africa. With a unique combination of vulnerabilities, the continent is a fertile basis for the spread and impact of manipulated content.
“Deepfakes take advantage of our natural tendency to believe in what we see and hear.” Affene explains. “For centuries, visuals correspond to evidence of authenticity. But today, technology can create a very compelling reality. The human brain, untrained to convey the difference between digital tricks and authentic content, is the simple target of these sophisticated fantasies.”
He warns that deepfakes can disrupt important sectors. “Imagine this example of the financial sector. A fake video showing CEOs making controversial statements could potentially lower stock prices or cause bank panic.
Given the vulnerable trust in public institutions and the dominant role of social media in spreading news, deepfakes pose a direct threat to democratic stability. Targeted misinformation that abuses existing sectors can destabilize the entire country.
Ultimately, deepfakes pose a risk that creates a deep crisis of confidence in Africa's political leaders, public figures and institutions.
African society with greater risk
In Africa, platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, Messenger and Instagram have become major sources of news and information. These channels help your content spread rapidly. Often, it amplifies both verified news and unverified claims, far beyond its origin.
During Donald Trump's presidency, content moderation on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook was weakened as free speech was prioritized over strict verification policies. This has contributed to loosening the control of misleading content.
As many African countries lack clear social media regulations, the risk of an increase in deepfakes is high while they aim to protect free speech. Some countries are beginning to take measures. In 2022, Uganda updated the Computer Misuse Act, originally passed in 2011. The revised law punishes the distribution of false information, including deepfakes, and also prohibits unauthorized access to data and sharing sensitive information about children.
According to the Digital Report 2025, the global number of social media users reached 53.1 billion in February. Africa accounts for 561 million of these users based on statistical data.
This is a breakdown of the most used platforms in Africa in 2025.
- Facebook: 294.1 million users
- Messenger: 104.5 million users
- Tiktok: 189.3 million users
- Instagram: 91.1 million users
- X (formerly Twitter): 27.8 million users
It is important to note that users may be active on multiple platforms.
Limited tools and incomplete laws
In July 2024, the African Union (AU) adopted the first continental artificial intelligence strategy covering 2025-2030. The initiative aims to harness AI to promote Africa's development and prosperity.
Dr. Amani Abu Zeid, chairman of infrastructure and energy, explains that the strategy explains. “It aligns with the AU's goals on inclusive development and reflects core values such as ethics, inclusion, diversity, human rights, dignity, happiness, peace and prosperity.” A key priority is to ensure that AI systems are designed and adapted to the unique African context.
This strategy promotes a comprehensive, Africa-focused, development-oriented approach built on five pillars. Take full advantage of AI – Build AI expertise and capabilities – Risks related to investing in AI enhancement – Strengthening regional and international cooperation.
It provides a shared vision and outlines key actions that will help Africa unlock AI potential while addressing the social, ethical, security and legal challenges it presents.
However, while the continent's roadmap was intended to guide and inspire African countries to address the growing challenges of AI, progress remains uneven. Countries move at their own pace, balancing AI advancement with local development priorities.
Continental preparations to manage AI risks, especially misuses such as deepfakes, remain inadequate.
Between 2018 and 2023, only six countries, Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda and Senegal, developed national AI strategies. Others such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Tunisia, and others have made notable advances in policy formation and creating institutions focused on AI.
Nevertheless, the International Monetary Fund's AI Reserve Index (AIPI) shows that nearly 80% of African countries lack adequate regulatory frameworks, human skills and innovation capabilities to effectively manage AI.
Investments must match risk
In terms of technology, local initiatives to develop deep-fark detection tools and to enhance institutional cybersecurity are rare. There are also limited public awareness campaigns on manipulated content.
Recognizing these gaps, the African Union offers several recommendations for its AI strategy. In addition to adopting ethical guidelines for AI and related technologies, AU emphasizes the urgent need to boost research and development, promote innovation and build human expertise.
Such measures could help Africa develop deep-fark detection tools and leverage AI to grow key sectors across its economy.
The economic interests are high. McKinsey estimates that the generator AI can increase global productivity by 40% and add between $2.2 trillion to $4.4 trillion per year to the global economy. Capturing only 5% of that chance could add between $110 and $220 billion to Africa's GDP each year.
The wise use of AI could also accelerate industrialization, job creation and improvement in public services, healthcare, education and climate crisis management. In disaster-prone regions, AI can better predict and respond to droughts, cyclones and wildfires, helping to save lives and reduce costs.
The African AI ecosystem has already shown promise. AU counts more than 2,400 organizations committed to AI innovation, 41% of whom are startups in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, law, and insurance. The security sector could also benefit greatly from advances in AI.
In the face of the rise of deepfakes, Africa cannot afford to remain passive. The fight for digital truth is deeply connected to issues of sovereignty, democratic stability and public trust. It's not about rejecting AI progress, it's about implementing safeguards to ensure responsible use and prevent abuse.
