Already increasingly shaping modern life, in the months and years to come, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)will be felt universally across our personal, social, and business lives.
Highlighted by the rapid rise in the valuations of AI enabling companies such as Nvidia, the sector is unlocking a range of new possibilities in value and revenue creation. Estimates claim that AI will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
With the potential to address Africa’s most critical challenges, AI can have a massive impact on the Continent, particularly in Nigeria, its biggest economy. Facing challenges across health, development, and governance, Nigeria could benefit massively by embracing and championing AI.
Nigeria and Africa more widely, must strive for a position at the highest possible point of the AI economic chain and create solutions that drive value locally.
African AI must be fit for purpose.
For success going forward, companies must build on ‘native intelligence’ principles. For us at Awarri, this means keeping the character, realities and historical context of Africa central when developing our products or consulting clients.
If Africa does not build natively intelligent models, it will never realise the true potential of AI.
Last year, the Nigerian Government announced plans for Nigeria to become “one of the leading countries in AI in the world.” Nigeria will not reach this ambitious goal if it does not play a prominent role in shaping the next wave of AI development.
An expanding pool of young talent will be needed to develop, manage, and enable the AI models of tomorrow. This offers exciting opportunities for Nigeria’s youth population. Currently, 33% of young Nigerians are unemployed. As the industry grows, AI will create new jobs for young Nigerians engaging in the global AI economy.
Nigeria embracing AI will offer numerous advantages. However, to achieve a true AI revolution with transformative social and economic benefits, Nigeria will have to go beyond just engaging with AI, and must drive ‘native intelligence’ into the centre of every new development.