GITEX NIGERIA, a major tech and AI summit, has kicked off in Abuja with a powerful call from the Nigerian government for Africa to take a leading role in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. The event is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
During his address, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bosun Tijani, urged world leaders and global tech organizations to view Africa not as a consumer of AI but as a producer and innovator. Tijani, who was recently named one of the most influential people in AI by TIME magazine, emphasized the risk of falling behind if the continent fails to act.
“Africa must not treat AI as an afterthought and be a consumer-centric continent importing food, services, and innovation; we must produce, lead, and innovate. That is why AI must sit at the very center of our strategy. As leaders, we must collaborate, invest, and make defining decisions that ensure Africa shapes, not follows, the future of artificial intelligence,” Tijani stated.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Lagos’ potential as a co-creator in the AI revolution, pointing to the state’s vibrant youth population and ability to attract investment as key factors in building the necessary digital infrastructure to turn policy into progress.
Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, further elaborated on the importance of AI, noting its projected global economic value, stressing that no nation can afford to be left behind, as those who lead in AI will shape the future. To that end, Nigeria is actively building capacity through initiatives like training three million tech talents and integrating digital literacy into education.
“This AI era is not just about technology; it is about talent. And talent, when nurtured, empowered, and digitally fluent, will define our progress and position us to be a regional and global leader in this revolution,” Abdullahi said.
GITEX NIGERIA will now transition to Lagos, with events scheduled to run from September 3-4 at both the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and the Landmark Centre, showcasing the country’s ambition to become a global AI hub.