The AI Race: China’s DeepSeek revolution, Africa’s opportunity, and America’s enduring tech supremacy

Honestly, the world is rapidly transforming through technological advancements,  the release of DeepSeek-R1, an open-source AI model developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek, has reignited discussions about the global power dynamics in artificial intelligence.

This landmark innovation challenges Western tech giants like OpenAI and Meta, showcasing China’s ability to innovate under constraints. However, as we unpack the implications of this development, we must also consider the larger picture: the United States’ continued dominance in technology, Africa’s potential role in this AI revolution, and how global collaboration can shape the future of innovation.

To some, DeepSeek is an innovation Born of Necessity. While to others it’s tagged disruption. 

On January 20, 2025, DeepSeek, a relatively unknown Chinese AI research lab, unveiled DeepSeek-R1, a model that rivals the leading AI systems in math, reasoning, and efficiency. What makes this achievement remarkable is not just the capability of the model but the context in which it was created. Restricted by U.S. export controls that limit access to cutting-edge chips like Nvidia’s H100, DeepSeek relied on software ingenuity and resource optimization to achieve its success.

Unlike many Chinese AI firms focused on downstream applications, DeepSeek employed a foundational strategy. Through innovations such as Multi-head Latent Attention (MLA) and Mixture-of-Experts, the company developed an AI model that requires one-tenth of the computing power of comparable Western models. This approach has demonstrated that excellence in AI is not solely dependent on hardware scalability but also on strategic problem-solving and open collaboration.

The United States: A Tech Superpower Unchallenged

Despite DeepSeek’s breakthrough, the United States remains the global leader in technology and innovation. With a robust ecosystem of research institutions, tech startups, and regulatory frameworks that encourage entrepreneurship, the U.S. continues to drive cutting-edge advancements in AI, biotechnology, and quantum computing.

American firms like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Microsoft dominate the AI space with vast computational resources, partnerships, and the ability to attract global talent. The U.S. also holds a key advantage in soft power—its universities, research funding, and cultural influence have made it the epicenter of global technological progress. While China may gain ground in certain areas, America’s systemic resilience ensures its continued dominance in the tech landscape.

In hosting the recent Africa AI Global Outlook Webinar, I highlighted the unique opportunity Africa has to position itself as a key player in the evolving AI ecosystem. Africa’s youthful population, increasing digital connectivity, and entrepreneurial spirit provide fertile ground for innovation. However, there are critical steps African nations must take to realize this potential:

1.    Invest in Education and Infrastructure: Building a workforce capable of contributing to AI development requires significant investments in STEM education and digital infrastructure.

2.    Leverage Local Talent for Global Collaboration: Africa’s tech ecosystem has shown promise, with countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa leading in fintech and AI applications. These nations can collaborate with global tech hubs to drive innovation that meets local and international needs.

3.    Harness Data for Local Solutions: Africa’s unique challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education can be addressed using AI tailored to its context, creating solutions that not only benefit the continent but also offer exportable innovations.

4.    While the federal government in Nigeria has done well in establishing the AI council and building a framework for AI, other parts of Africa need to step up.

Nigeria has also established institutions to support AI research and development, and has partnered with Google to support AI talent. Institutions like the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR): A government institution that supports AI research and development, Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR): A regulation that protects data, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act of 2015: A law that regulates cybercrimes, including AI used in cybercrimes. These institutions need to be strengthened and empowered to deliver results.

We need to also set up more active technology and AI fellowships and membership bodies that will provide training, certifications and collaboration.

DeepSeek’s rise also raises questions about the global tech cold war. U.S. export controls on advanced chips have created bottlenecks for Chinese companies, but they have also driven innovation through necessity. This development serves as a reminder that global tech leadership is not static. While the U.S. continues to lead, strategic investments, policy shifts, and collaboration with regions like Africa will determine the next phase of global innovation.

Africa has an opportunity to assert itself as a collaborator, not a spectator, in this revolution. By fostering partnerships with both Western and Eastern tech giants, African nations we should ensure we are not left behind in the AI race. No sitting on the fence, let’s institutionalize this and ensure we integrate it into our training, technical and educational structures. 

This is a wakeup call, as the world moves toward a multipolar tech landscape, the lessons from DeepSeek are clear: constraints breed creativity, collaboration accelerates progress, and innovation is not confined by geography. The United States must continue to invest in maintaining its leadership, while Africa must rise to the occasion by positioning itself as an essential partner in global innovation.we need to wake up. It’s possible, AI deployment in real estate, healthcare, medical devices, energy, supply chain, education and technology in general.

DeepSeek’s story is a wake-up call for policymakers, innovators, and educators worldwide. The race for technological supremacy is not just about competing but also about how regions like Africa can collaboratively shape a future that benefits all. The time to act is now.

Omoikhefe Aienloshan, a member of the African Diaspora community, is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, AI enthusiast, and founder of ZeroEdge, Gasnownow, and several other startups. With a passion for creating impactful solutions using emerging technologies, Hefe, as he is fondly called, writes from Silicon Valley, San Francisco, USA. Contact: hefeaienloshan@gmail.com