Business
By Anthony Isibor
DRIVING economic growth, building an inclusive and sustainable African society through Artificial Intelligence, AI, was the major focus of this year’s edition of the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition, DACE, holding in Abuja.
The topic of this year’s discuss comes from the fact that AI is at the centre of transforming African societies through its immense possibilities as noted by Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, who was ably represented by Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, Head, Consumer Information and Education, NCC.
As the world continues to witness the remarkable advancements in AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, transportation, education and even governance, Prof. Danbatta urged embracing of AI-powered solutions which have the potential to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, food security, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.
However, he noted that for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, it must first address several critical factors, including investing in building the necessary digital infrastructure, which includes expanding the broadband connectivity.
On this note, the Prof. Danbatta expressed the commission’s commitment to continue supporting the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent.
“We are working to create an enabling regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and citizens. We are also collaborating with stakeholders to establish AI research and development centres, incubation hubs and startup ecosystems to nurture homegrown AI talent.
“In Nigeria, as of July 2023, the broadband penetration stood at 47.01%. Also, the continent must commit to ensuring reliable power supply and fostering a conducive regulatory environment. Without robust infrastructure, the potential of AI will remain untapped and the digital divide will further widen.
“Secondly, we must prioritize digital skills development. AI technologies require a skilled workforce capable of developing, deploying, and maintaining these systems. We need to invest in education and training programmes that equip our youth with the necessary skills to participate in the AI-driven economy. By nurturing a generation of AI experts, we can elevate Africa’s position in the global AI landscape and create job opportunities for our youth.
“Moreover, ethical considerations must underpin our approach to AI. As we deploy AI systems, we must ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. We must guard against biases, protect privacy and data security, and uphold human rights. AI should be a force for good, promoting inclusivity and leaving no one behind.
“Collaboration and partnerships are also crucial in unlocking the potential of AI in Africa. We must foster collaboration among governments, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society. By working together, we can share knowledge, pool resources together, and leverage expertise to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for AI adoption.” he added.
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-September. 21, 2023 @ 13:03 GMT |
Tags: Anthony Isibor DACE Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition Dr. Emilia Nwokolo NCC Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta
