The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has emphasized the need for Africa to take a proactive role in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution.
Speaking during a panel session to an international audience of policy makers, technologists and investors, the DG identified Africa, specifically Nigeria as a rising force in global AI space, stating that the presence of AI is necessitating the skills we value today as well as the procedures we use to perform our daily task.
He made a clarion call for Africa to be deeply rooted in AI driven innovations when speaking on Harnessing AI for Strategic Leadership at the GITEX Africa 2025 conference held in Marrakech, Morocco. Inuwa urged industry leaders across the continent to integrate AI into their business, Organisational and Operational models to unlock new opportunities and drive smarter decision-making.
He further stressed that Africa must lead the fourth industrial revolution, rather than following, and that leaders must evolve into AI-driven leaders to remain effective. He emphasized on the importance of combining AI with human strengths to deliver real business value and ensure that AI systems represent diverse global societies.
NITDA’s Regulatory Vision: Empowering Africa’s AI Integration and Global Leadership
However, NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework was introduced, focusing on awareness, intelligence, and dynamism to regulate AI effectively. The DG envisioned Africa integrating AI into every economic sector to solve real-world challenges and leapfrog development gaps.
Inuwa believes that Africa can unlock unprecedented levels of innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth by augmenting human capability with AI, he also highlighted the potential risks of deploying AI systems built on biased data and stressed the need for digital visibility of all cultures and citizens.
The NITDA DG emphasized on the importance of Africa’s participation in global AI regulation, ensuring that the technology serves the interests of all humanity, not just a privileged few. He called further for a regulatory framework that acknowledges diverse cultural, economic, and social contexts.
His call to action emphasizes Africa’s potential to lead in the AI revolution, leveraging technology to drive growth, innovation, and inclusivity. By prioritizing strategic leadership, inclusive innovation, and effective regulation, Africa can harness the power of AI to transform its economies and societies.
As Africa stands on the brink of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the call to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) is louder than ever. To learn more about how AI can shape Africa’s future and to stay updated on the latest developments in technology and innovation, visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng. Together, let’s unlock the potential of AI for growth, inclusivity, and global leadership.
