The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for concerted efforts at investments in education and training programmes that will equip Nigerian youths with necessary skills as a means of opening a doorway for them to participate in the AI-driven economy, as being pursued by the federal government.
Making this known at the 11th edition of the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who was represented by the Head, Consumer Information and Education, NCC, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo, noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time.
He affirmed the Commission’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth, social development, and innovation across the African continent.
Danbatta noted that for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, it must address several critical factors, which include investment in building the necessary digital infrastructure and expanding broadband connectivity. “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.”
He also harped on prioritizing 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.”
The EVC, who gave the Keynote for this year’s event themed, “Artificial Intelligence and Africa”, stated that ethical considerations must underpin the country’s 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.”
While attesting to federal government’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology to drive economic growth, social development, and innovation across the African continent, Danbatta affirmed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens. “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.”
While noting that collaboration and partnerships among governments, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society are also crucial in unlocking the potential of AI in Africa, he said the 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.”
