By Dada Ahmed.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer(EVC/CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC,Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, says Africa must invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure to fully embrace benefits of artificial intelligence, AI.
He stated this in Abuja in his key note address at the opening ceremony of the 3-day, 11th edition of the Ditital Africa Conference and Exhibition (DACE) at Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The theme of the occasion is ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AFRICA.
Represented by the Head, Consumer Information and Education, NCC, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, the NCC boss added that such investment should be directed towards expanding broadband connectivity.
He also said:” 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 youths 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 youths.”
According to him,ethical considerations must underpin Africa’s approach to AI, adding that as the continent deploys AI systems, it must ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness.
He further urged African government to guard against biases,ensure protection of privacy and data security, and uphold human rights, stressing that AI should be a force for good, promoting inclusivity and leaving no one behind.
Danbatta also called for collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders, a development he noted were 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 on expertise to drive innovation and create an enabling environment for AI adoption, the NCC boss added.
He,however, expressed the full commitment of NCC to supporting the deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent.
In this regard, Danbatta disclosed that the commission had been working to create an enabling regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and citizens.
The EVC/CEO added that the commission was collaborating with stakeholders to establish AI research and development centres, incubation hubs, and startup ecosystems to nurture homegrown AI talent.
He said that AI-powered solutions had the potential to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as limited access to healthcare, food security, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.
“In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in AI across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, transportation, education, and even governance.
“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.
“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”. he observed.
