The 16th edition of the Africa’s Beacon of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Merit and Leadership Awards is set for a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This year’s keynote lecture, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Good, The Complex and The Anticipated,” will delve into the multifaceted role of AI in shaping the digital economy.
Organized by Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, the event will be held on May 25th, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton.
“This special edition aims to recognize and celebrate organizations and individuals who have made exceptional contributions through innovative ICT services,” said Ken Nwogbo, Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek. “These leaders, consistently voted for by our readers, deserve recognition for their impactful work.”
The keynote address will explore the potential of AI to ignite a new industrial revolution, fundamentally transforming how we interact and conduct economic activities.
Nwogbo highlights the potential disruption AI brings: “Traditional factors of production like physical capital and labor may no longer be the sole drivers of economic growth. AI is expected to be a key determinant of future economic prosperity.”
However, the lecture will also address the complexities of AI’s impact on the workforce. Unlike previous technological advancements that replaced manual labor, AI has the potential to redefine the very nature of human work across various sectors.
Nwogbo emphasizes the unique learning capabilities of AI: “In contrast to past industrial revolutions, AI isn’t just about new machines. AI, with its ability to learn and accumulate knowledge on its own, shares similarities with human capital development.”
The Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership Distinguished Lecture Series has a history of featuring prominent figures in the ICT sector. Past speakers include Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; Engr. Yomi Bolarinwa, former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission; and Prof. Isa Pantami, Nigeria’s current Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
This year’s focus on AI underscores the growing importance of understanding this transformative technology and its impact on the digital landscape. The ABoICT Lecture 2024 promises a thought-provoking exploration of the “good, the complex, and the anticipated” aspects of AI in a digital economy.