Africa can tackle Poverty, Food Security using AI: NCC Boss

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta has stated that Africa can overcome her major challenges of poverty, food security, access to healthcare and others if she adequately adopts and deploys Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He stated this in his keynote address at the 11th edition of Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

Prof. Danbatta said AI has the potential to provide solutions to major challenges faced by African countries and as a continent.

“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.”

 However, he said Africa must address several critical factors to fully embrace the benefits of AI.

“First, we must invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure. This includes expanding broadband connectivity. 

“In Nigeria, as at July 2023, 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,” Danbatta explained.

According to Danbatta, “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.”

He added 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.

“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.

He assured Nigerians and Africans of the readiness of the NCC to fully support the adoption and deployment of AI.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission 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.”

Chairman Digital Africa, Dr. Evans Woherem said Africa was once leading the rest of the world and can still bridge the gap between her and the rest of the world in regards to technology and development.

“There was a time Africa was leading the whole world in regards to technology but after some years, as a result of so many things that happened to her like slavery and colonialism, the Continent has been unfortunate to have had some series of leaders that did not see the urgency in regards to development. 

 “As a result of that we have underperformed all these years but many of us are pointing out that, that gap can be bridged and we can only do so through technology, and AI is one of those technologies we just have to pay attention to. “

On AI adoption and deployment, he said, “you need to understand that this is a very important technology that is going to determine the countries that will be winners in this 21st century.”