Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, from business and education to healthcare and governance. 

Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT have become essential for learning, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship. However, not all African countries are reaping the benefits.

In several nations, access to AI is either restricted or entirely blocked, limiting opportunities for citizens to participate in the AI revolution. 

These restrictions are often influenced by political, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges, reflecting broader concerns about digital control and national security. 

Here are seven African countries where ChatGPT access is currently restricted:

Eritrea 

In Eritrea, the government exercises strict control over the flow of information. The country’s limited internet infrastructure makes digital communication slow and unreliable, and access to AI tools like ChatGPT is blocked entirely.

The government’s cautious approach aims to maintain control over content and information, but it also leaves students, businesses, and tech enthusiasts cut off from modern AI tools that are driving global innovation.

Libya 

Years of civil conflict and political instability have made Libya one of the most challenging environments for technology adoption. While internet access is available in urban areas, the lack of a robust regulatory framework has contributed to restrictions on ChatGPT.

The government is wary of unregulated digital tools that could amplify misinformation or challenge authority, leaving Libyans with limited access to AI platforms.

Eswatini 

Formerly Swaziland, Eswatini is a small kingdom with a relatively small tech market. Regulatory uncertainty and a limited presence of companies like OpenAI have meant that citizens cannot fully access ChatGPT.

Despite its small size, the country has potential for digital growth, but restrictions on AI limit innovation and opportunities for young entrepreneurs and students.

Burundi 

Burundi faces ongoing challenges in digital infrastructure, with limited broadband penetration and few policies supporting technology adoption. These constraints, combined with political control over information, have led to restrictions on AI tools like ChatGPT.

The result is that many Burundian students and startups miss out on educational and business opportunities available elsewhere in Africa.

South Sudan 

The world’s youngest nation continues to struggle with post-conflict rebuilding and establishing basic infrastructure. Weak internet networks and ongoing security challenges have prevented widespread AI adoption.

ChatGPT and other advanced platforms remain largely inaccessible, leaving the country at risk of lagging behind in AI-driven education and business development.

Sudan 

Decades of authoritarian rule and political unrest have shaped Sudan’s digital environment. Internet blackouts, censorship, and the government’s desire to control information flow have resulted in ChatGPT being blocked.

Citizens are restricted from accessing global AI tools that could improve education, research, and entrepreneurship, while policymakers wrestle with balancing innovation and control.

Central African Republic (CAR) 

The CAR faces severe governance and infrastructure challenges, with limited technological investment and fragile political stability. Internet connectivity is low, and access to digital platforms like ChatGPT is heavily restricted.