The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) /CEO of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to tackle many challenges currently confronting African countries.
Prof Danbatta made the remark in Abuja at the recently concluded 11th edition of Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition (DACE) with the theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Africa.”
The NCC boss who was represented by the Head, Consumer Information and Education, NCC, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, noted that AI, as a transformative technology, will spearhead innovation and socio-economic growth and development in the continent.
In his words, “The theme for this year’s event “Artificial Intelligence and Africa,” is both timely and significant.
“It attests to our commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth, social development, and innovation across the African continent.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Its potential to revolutionize industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens cannot be overstated.
“As the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), I believe that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
“There are several examples of AI-powered software in use in our daily lives, including voice assistants, face recognition for unlocking mobile phones, fingerprint biometrics, and machine learning-based financial fraud detection.
“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.”
Prof Danbatta, however, warned that African countries must first invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure including broadband connectivity expansion and other critical factors.
“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 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.
“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.” Danbatta said.
He called for more collaboration and partnerships to unlock the potential of AI in Africa adding that “we must foster collaboration among governments, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society.”
According to him, by working together, African states can share knowledge, pool resources together, and leverage expertise to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for AI adoption.
The NCC boss reiterated the Commission’s commitment 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.” He said.
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