Infrastructure key to harnessing benefits of AI, says NCC
By Patience Ikpeme
To fully harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), Nigeria and other African countries must provide robust infrastructure, specifically in terms of reliable power supply and a conducive regulatory environment.
Prof. U.G Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission made this declaration in Abuja on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the digital Africa conference and exhibition.
Prof Danbatta who was represented by the Head, Consumer Information and Education (NCC), Dr. Emilia Nwokolo emphasized the need for investment in building the necessary digital infrastructure, particularly in expanding broadband connectivity.
The NCC boss stated that, “broadband penetration stood at 47.01% in Nigeria as of July 2023,” which indicates that less than half of Nigeria’s population has access to high-speed internet connectivity, which is crucial for various applications of AI.
By improving infrastructure, such as power supply and regulations, and investing in expanding broadband connectivity, Nigeria, Danbatta said can bridge the digital divide and ensure that more individuals and businesses have access to the benefits and opportunities offered by AI.
According to Danbatta, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Its potential to revolutionize industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens cannot be overstated”.
He believes that “AI 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 AI 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.
However, for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, Prof Danbatta said the continent must address several critical factors like infrastructure, prioritizing 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 AI 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 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 are “also crucial in unlocking the potential of AI 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.
The Nigerian Communications Commission he assured “is fully committed to supporting the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent.
To this end, the NCC he revealed is “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”.