Yemisi Izuora
The Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Umar Garba Danbatta, has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of the most transformative technologies wi the potential to revolutionize industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens cannot be overstated.
Addressing the 11th edition of the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition, DACE, in Abuja, Danbatta, expressed confidence that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
The EVC, represented by the Head, Consumer Information and Education, NCC, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, said the theme for this year’s event, “Artificial Intelligence and Africa,” is both timely and significant as it attests to the Agency’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth, social development, and innovation across the African continent.
Danbatta, listed several examples of AI-powered software in use in our daily lives, to include voice assistants, face recognition for unlocking mobile phones, fingerprint biometrics, and machine learning-based financial fraud detection.
Speaking further he said, “In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, transportation, education, and even governance. AI-powered solutions 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 added that for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, there is the need to address several critical factors which include investing in building the necessary digital infrastructure that will also allow expansion of broadband connectivity.
In Nigeria, as of July 2023, the broadband penetration stood at 47.01 per cent, he said adding that the continent must commit to ensuring reliable power supply and fostering a conducive regulatory environment.
He said, “Without robust infrastructure, the potential of AI will remain untapped, and the digital divide will further widen.”
He said also that the continent must prioritize digital skills development as 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.”
Also, he stressed the need to imbibe ethical considerations that must underpin our approach to AI, saying, “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.”
In addition, Danbatta, added that 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 said.
He noted that the Commission is fully committed to supporting the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent and is working to create an enabling regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and citizens as well as collaborating with stakeholders to establish AI research and development centres, incubation hubs, and startup ecosystems to nurture homegrown AI talent.
He said the theme of this year’s conference, “Artificial Intelligence and Africa,” offers the nation a glimpse into the immense possibilities that lie ahead and that “AI holds the power to transform our societies, drive economic growth, and improve the well-being of our people. Let us seize this opportunity and work together to build an inclusive, sustainable, and AI-powered Africa.”