Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, believes that if Africa embraces and utilises artificial intelligence, it will be able to tackle difficulties such as poverty, food insecurity, healthcare, and others.
Danbatta mentioned this on Wednesday during his keynote talk at the 11th Edition of the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
“Artificial Intelligence and Africa” is the topic of this year’s three-day annual event.
He stated that AI has the capacity to bring answers to significant difficulties confronting African countries.
Danbatta said:
“AI-powered solutions have the potential to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, food insecurity, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.”
However, he stated that in order for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, some crucial problems must be addressed.
“First, we must invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure. This includes expanding broadband connectivity.
“In Nigeria, as of July 2023, the broadband penetration stood at 47.01 per cent.
“Also, the continent must commit to ensuring reliable power supply and fostering a conducive regulatory environment,” Danbatta added.
According to him, without a strong infrastructure, AI’s promise would be unrealized, and the digital gap will spread even more.
“Secondly, we must prioritise 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 programs 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,” Danbatta said.
He stated that ethical concerns must govern the approach to AI as its systems are implemented, while also ensuring openness, accountability, and justice.
Danbatta stated:
“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.”
The Executive Vice-Chairman told Nigerians and Africans that the NCC is ready to fully assist AI adoption and deployment.
According to Danbatta:
“NCC is fully committed to 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.”
cc: Punch Ng
