Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, has said Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the key to shaping Africa digital future.
The NCC boss further disclosed that AI has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time.
He stated these in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the three-day Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition (DACE), holding in Abuja from 19-21 September, 2023.
Danbatta, represented at the event by Head, Consumer Information and Education, Dr Emilia Nwokolo, said the potentials of AI to improve the quality of life of citizens cannot be overstated.
The NCC EVC/CEO said the theme for this year’s edition, “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,” he said.
Danbatta further declared that Artificial Intelligence has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies in contemporary times.
“Its potential to revolutionise 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 Artificial Intelligence 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 Artificial Intelligence 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,” he said.
The NCC, however, noted that for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, it must address several critical factors.
“First, we must invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure. This includes expanding broadband connectivity.
“In Nigeria, as of July 2023, the broadband penetration stood at 47.01 per cent.
“Also, the Continent must commit to ensuring reliable power supply and fostering a conducive regulatory environment.
“Without robust infrastructure, the potential of Artificial Intelligence will remain untapped, and the digital divide will further widen.
“Secondly, we must prioritise 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 youth with the necessary skills to participate in the AI-driven economy.
“By nurturing a generation of Artificial Intelligence 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 Artificial Intelligence. 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.
“Artificial Intelligence should be a force for good, promoting inclusivity and leaving no one behind,” Danbatta added.
He also said collaboration and partnerships are also crucial in unlocking the potential of Artificial Intelligence 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.
The NCC EVC/CEO said the Commission is 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 Artificial Intelligence research and development centres, incubation hubs, and startup ecosystems to nurture homegrown AI talent,” he said.
He restated that the theme of the 2023 conference offered a glimpse into the immense possibilities that lied ahead the African Continent.
“Artificial Intelligence 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,” he concluded.
