The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. She made these remarks during the 10th convocation ceremony of the Africa University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja on Tuesday.
AI’s Transformative Potential for Nigeria
Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the significant impact AI could have on boosting productivity and solving longstanding economic issues in Nigeria. “AI promises to be useful in addressing challenges that have hindered Nigeria’s economic progress for decades,” she stated.
According to her, Nigeria, alongside Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, could benefit from a combined $136 billion economic boost powered by AI. Of this figure, Nigeria is projected to gain 43 percent due to its proactive national AI strategy, developed by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
The WTO chief also highlighted findings from WTO research that suggest global AI adoption could increase international trade by up to 14 percentage points by 2040. However, she warned that uneven adoption might halve these benefits, particularly in developing nations, and called for international collaboration to ensure equitable access to AI’s benefits.
Applications of AI in Key Sectors
Okonjo-Iweala outlined several areas where AI could significantly impact Nigeria’s development:
- Education: AI can customize lessons for underserved students, enhancing learning outcomes.
- Healthcare: Improved diagnostics and patient care in regions with limited medical professionals.
- Agriculture: Precision tools for pest management and soil analysis, as seen with companies like Crop2Cash and Thrive Agric.
- Energy: Nigerian firms like Rensource are leveraging AI to optimize off-grid energy solutions.
- Finance: Expanding credit access for small businesses and individuals excluded from formal banking systems.
Barriers to AI Adoption
Despite its promise, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted several obstacles to AI adoption in Nigeria:
- Unreliable Electricity: Power outages hinder technological advancement, necessitating decentralized renewable energy solutions.
- Limited Internet Access and Digital Infrastructure: These constraints reduce the reach and efficacy of AI technologies.
- Dependence on Foreign Technology: Over-reliance on external providers raises concerns about data privacy and governance.
She stressed the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines to ensure AI’s benefits are shared equitably across the population.
Supporting AI Development in Nigeria
Okonjo-Iweala praised AUST for its dedication to AI education, citing its programs in machine learning, healthcare, and creative industries. She encouraged partnerships with global tech firms like Google to upskill Nigeria’s workforce and support local startups.
“Nigeria’s young population and growing middle class present a unique opportunity,” she remarked. “With the right investments in digital infrastructure and skills, Nigeria can position itself as a global player in AI while addressing local challenges.”
Call to Action
Okonjo-Iweala concluded by urging African governments to act swiftly in bridging the digital divide and harnessing AI for sustainable development. “We cannot afford to be left behind,” she said.
Related Developments
During the event, the Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa, Oliver Alawuba, was awarded an honorary doctorate and announced UBA’s donation of a new AI and emerging technologies center to AUST. Similarly, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, stressed the importance of robust identity management as Nigeria transitions to a more diversified economy.
These developments underline the growing recognition of AI as a tool for driving Nigeria’s economic growth and addressing critical challenges.
