The African Union Executive Council has endorsed the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, setting the stage for widespread AI adoption across both public and private sectors in member states, including Nigeria.
Announced on the AU website on August 9, 2024, this strategy seeks to leverage AI’s transformative potential to drive economic, social, and geopolitical advancements throughout Africa. The strategy was officially adopted during the AU Executive Council’s 45th Ordinary Session held in Accra, Ghana, on July 18–19, 2024, and was supported by African ICT and Communications Ministers in June 2024.
The AU highlighted AI as a crucial asset for achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. It aims to spark the creation of new industries, drive innovation, and generate high-value jobs while maintaining and enhancing African culture and integration.
“AI represents more than just a technological advance; it is a transformative force reshaping various aspects of our world. Its impact spans across economics, society, and geopolitics, revolutionizing fields such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education,” the AU stated. “For Africa, AI is essential for realizing the ambitions of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. It promises to foster new industries, spur innovation, and create high-value employment while preserving and advancing African culture and integration.”
In June, over 130 African ministers and experts convened virtually for the AU’s 2nd Extraordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT to discuss the AI strategy.
The Continental AI Strategy promotes unified national approaches among AU member states to navigate AI-driven transformations, thereby enhancing regional and global collaboration and positioning Africa as a leader in inclusive and responsible AI development.
In Nigeria, under the direction of Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, the country is formulating a comprehensive National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS). The NAIS aims to establish Nigeria as a leader in AI within Africa and utilize its potential for economic diversification, improved national security, and increased productivity.
Recently, Nigeria gathered over 120 leading AI researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from both domestic and international backgrounds to collaboratively develop the NAIS through a workshop. Additionally, Nigeria has introduced its first multilingual Large Language Model (LLM), created in partnership with local firm Awarri, global tech company DataDotOrg, and government agencies following a four-day AI workshop involving more than 120 experts.
With these developments, Nigeria is not only advancing its AI capabilities but also exploring opportunities to make money online and leverage AI tools, including ChatGPT tips, to maximize the economic and societal benefits of artificial intelligence.
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