NCC boss Danbatta emphasises significance of AI in driving Africa's digital future

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition (DACE) in Abuja, which focused on the theme of “Artificial Intelligence and Africa.”

Telescope.ng reports that Danbatta highlighted the significant role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play in shaping Africa’s digital future.

He noted that AI had the potential to revolutionize various industries, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

According to him, examples of AI-powered software in use today include voice assistants, face recognition for unlocking mobile phones, fingerprint biometrics, and machine learning-based financial fraud detection.

Danbatta also emphasised the need for Africa to invest in building the necessary digital infrastructure to fully embrace the benefits of AI, including expanding broadband connectivity.

He noted that as of July 2023, Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 47.01% as he stressed the importance of prioritizing digital skills development to create a skilled workforce capable of developing, deploying, and maintaining these systems.

Other critical factors that Danbatta identified included prioritizing ethical considerations in deploying AI systems, fostering collaboration and partnerships among governments, regulatory bodies, academia, the private sector, and civil society, and creating an enabling regulatory framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding the interests of consumers and citizens.

Danbatta concluded by expressing the Nigerian Communications Commission’s commitment to supporting the development and deployment of AI technologies in Nigeria and across the continent.

He noted that the commission was working on establishing AI research and development centres, incubation hubs, and startup ecosystems to nurture homegrown AI talent.

The EVC said: “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.

“However, for Africa to fully embrace the benefits of AI, we must 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.”

He further stated: “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.

“Moreover, ethical considerations must underpin our 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. AI should be a force for good, promoting inclusivity and leaving no one behind.”

The event was attended by various stakeholders in the technology industry, and it provided a platform for discussing the latest trends and innovations in the field of AI.