By 
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has highlighted how Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions can effectively address pressing issues in Africa, including limited access to healthcare, food security, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.
Danbatta, however, emphasized that Africa needs to address several critical factors to fully harness the benefits of AI, with a key focus on investing in the development of essential digital infrastructure.
Speaking at the 11th Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Africa,” Danbatta noted that Africa has witnessed significant progress in AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, transportation, education, and governance.
He stressed the importance of addressing fundamental challenges such as ensuring reliable power supply and creating a conducive regulatory environment. Without robust infrastructure, AI’s potential will remain untapped, and the digital divide will continue to widen.
Danbatta also emphasized the need for prioritizing digital skills development. AI technologies require a skilled workforce capable of developing, deploying, and maintaining these systems. Investment in education and training programs is essential to equip young Africans with the skills required to participate in the AI-driven economy.
Furthermore, Danbatta highlighted the significance of collaboration and partnerships in unlocking AI’s potential in Africa. Collaboration among governments, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society is crucial for sharing knowledge, pooling resources, and leveraging expertise to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for AI adoption.
Danbatta concluded by reaffirming the Nigerian Communications Commission’s commitment to supporting the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent. The NCC is actively working on creating a regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and citizens.
In his remarks, Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa, emphasized the timeliness and importance of this year’s conference theme. As the world enters the era of the fourth Industrial Revolution marked by intelligence, AI plays a central role. It offers significant benefits to countries, organizations, and individuals but also carries the potential for harm. Hence, countries cannot afford to ignore AI, and many are taking it seriously through budget allocations and regulatory measures to facilitate its development and implementation, Woherem noted.
Comments