It is recognised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is key to economic growth and sustainable development. On a global scale, it seems that Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is amongst the least advantaged region to harness the potential of AI to boost economic growth. A need to identify relevant practices to facilitate AI readiness in this region is clearly felt. Bibliometric analysis using Scopus as well as a desktop study were used to identify the top performers in AI Research in SSA and the best practices to promote AI Readiness. Infrastructural development, Human Resources, International partnerships and a sound governance framework were found to be key to leverage on AI for development. However, this paper also identifies a sound Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) base to be a key step to allow other best practices to graft on. This should probably be the starting point for many countries in the region.