For Nigeria and other Africa countries to catch up in the global AI race, a multifaceted approach is required. This was stated by Google SSA Managing Director, Alex Okosi, in a discussion about the role of AI in digital economy. According to him, the approach involves not only investment in infrastructure and education but also cultivating a culture of learning, innovation and entrepreneurship amongst the civil service who are core to the transformation of the continent.
He stated that governments across Africa needed to work toward creating clear policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage AI innovation while ensuring ethical standards and data privacy. “Africa’s AI journey does not have to be traveled alone. Collaborative efforts between African countries can accelerate the adoption of AI across the continent. Regional and local organisations, for example, could play a role in coordinating AI strategies across African countries, sharing best practices, and facilitating cross-border AI projects.
“Africa must also continue to build partnerships with global tech leaders and AI pioneers. These partnerships can provide African innovators with access to the latest AI research, technologies, and expertise. “Finally, Africa needs to promote a culture of innovation, where entrepreneurs and innovators feel empowered to explore AI-driven solutions. This involves providing the necessary resources and highlighting many success stories,” he said.
He further stated: “With unstoppable Africa 2024, the Global Africa Business Initiative’s (GABI) flagship event being held this week, there is no better time to take a look at African nations’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “While much remains to be done globally in accelerating progress against the SDGs, Africa, as a continent rich with potential; is starting to embrace the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) that will help it achieve the SDGs.
To bolster these fledgling efforts, two things are needed: collaboration between stakeholders, and access to the necessary skilling and infrastructure. “As a GABI Circle member, we are thrilled to see how AIdriven initiatives from a wide variety of players are supporting countries on the African continent in their quest to reach the SDGs. “At GABI, Google will share an AI blueprint, that has been months of research and inquiry, that highlights model laws and strategies governments and institutions in Africa can adopt in order to gain this AI opportunity.
And to complement this, with partners, we´ll kick off an AI Sprinters course offering the ´Foundations of AI and Cloud policy making in Africa´ for policymakers and policy implementers on the continent.” He noted that strategic partnerships and infrastructure development were key to success. “Strategic partnerships between African governments and the private sector are crucial to harness AI effectively. By investing in infrastructure such as connectivity and data centres and providing educational frameworks to empower Africa’s next generation of AI-savvy users, the continent can position itself for inclusive growth and development.
“The journey toward achieving the SDGs is complex, but with AI as a catalyst, Africa can make significant strides. At Google, we are excited to be part of this transformative journey, working alongside GABI Circle members to accelerate progress toward a sustainable and prosperous future for Africa,” he said. He explained that opportunities inherent in the use of AI in Africa could be viewed from several perspectives; the first of which is the role it will play in bringing cutting-edge healthcare to people who previously did not have access to it, adding that it has the potential to help power economic growth.
“In addition to our own solutions, Google is also teaming up with local organisations such as Jacaranda Health in Kenya, and OnTime Consortium in Nigeria, which use AI to give access to life-saving information. “This not only supports SDG 3 but also empowers women to take control of their maternal and child health through AI-driven solutions that help monitor pregnancies and predict complications, allowing for timely interventions that save lives,” he added.