The rise in artificial intelligence and machine learning in recent years has captured the imagination of entrepreneurs, policymakers and development professionals, given the potential of these new technologies to transform societies, power economic growth and bridge the information divide. This issue of Africa Development Insights surveys the potential benefits of AI for sustainable development, highlights some key challenges such as algorithmic bias, and traces the policy steps UNDP and its partners can take to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risk for African economies and people.