Emmanuel Ukudolo I Friday, Sept. 22, 2023
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC is fully committed to supporting the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence, AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent, Executive Vice Chairman of the telecoms regulator, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has said.
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Danbatta, who was delivering a keynote address at the 11th edition of the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition, DACE said the commission 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”, Danbatta, who was represented at the event by Head Consumer Information and Education, Dr. Emilia Nwokolo said, adding that AI holds the power to transform societies and drive economic growth.
“AI holds the power to transform our societies, drive economic growth, and improve the well-being of our people. Let us seize this opportunity and work together to build an inclusive, sustainable, and AI-powered Africa”, he said.
He said Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the time.
“Its potential to revolutionize industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens cannot be overstated. As the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), I believe that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital future”, he said, adding “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”, Danbatta said.
He explained that for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, there is the need to address several critical factors.
“First, we must invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure. This includes expanding broadband connectivity.
“In Nigeria, as of July 2023, the broadband penetration stood at 47.01%. Also, the continent must commit to ensuring reliable power supply and fostering a conducive regulatory environment. Without robust infrastructure, the potential of AI will remain untapped, and the digital divide will further widen.
“Secondly, we must prioritize 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 programs 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”, the EVC said.
He said ethical considerations must underpin 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”, he said.
