Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, recently presented the National AI Strategy. This initiative aims to address socio-economic challenges and drive economic growth through artificial intelligence. The strategy was unveiled at a four-day workshop in Abuja from April 15 to 18, 2024, attended by AI experts, government officials, and industry stakeholders.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the collaborative and inclusive nature of the strategy, which integrates insights from various sectors. “Our vision is to create an AI ecosystem that aligns with our strategic priorities and benefits all citizens,” he stated.
Under Dr. Tijani’s leadership, the Ministry is striving to position Nigeria as a leader in AI, building on initiatives like the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR) to foster innovation across agriculture, healthcare, and telecommunications.
Global AI investment has surged, with corporate spending reaching nearly $180 billion in 2022, a 150% increase since 2019. Nigeria’s AI market is projected to grow to $434.4 million by 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 44.2%. Dr. Tijani aims to capitalize on this growth to drive innovation and economic development.
The strategy highlights the role of AI in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with AI-powered solutions making strides in agriculture and renewable energy. “AI offers unprecedented opportunities for development,” said Dr. Tijani. “Our strategy ensures these opportunities are harnessed responsibly and inclusively.”
Addressing challenges like illiteracy and limited broadband penetration, the strategy aims to create an enabling environment for AI adoption. Nigeria’s internet speeds are significantly slower than those of developed nations, with the country’s average download speed around 35 Mbps, compared to the global average of 93 Mbps as of April 2024. Additionally, Nigeria’s Network Readiness Index score of 35.73 ranks it 106 out of 134 economies. Improving these infrastructural deficiencies is essential for fostering innovation and effective AI deployment.
The strategy draws inspiration from global AI frameworks and methodologies, such as those provided by the World Economic Forum and Boston Consulting Group. Nigeria aims to define its unique AI trajectory, balancing socio-economic conditions with ambitious goals for AI leadership.
Learning from global leaders, the strategy incorporates best practices from nations like Italy, Japan, and the Nordic-Baltic region. Nigeria’s current ranking of 103 out of 193 in the AI Readiness Index and 61 out of 62 in the Global AI Index underscores the need for significant improvements in infrastructure and investment.
A crucial element of Nigeria’s AI strategy is the development of a skilled workforce. The global demand for AI talents and skills is growing, and Nigeria aims to reduce unemployment by equipping at least 70% of its young workforce (ages 16-35, with 50% being women and a good representation of people living with disabilities) with AI-related skills and knowledge. The country’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity for fostering a digitally enabled workforce. By 2030, 28 million jobs in Nigeria will demand digital skills, highlighting a market valued at $130 billion.
Despite its potential, Nigeria faces significant challenges in realizing its AI ambitions, including high levels of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. A shortage of skilled AI professionals and brain drain, known locally as the “japa syndrome,” poses substantial hurdles. Strengthening the educational infrastructure to support widespread AI education is crucial, with initiatives to introduce AI curricula in schools being in their early stages.
The Federal Government’s directive to integrate robotics and AI into the primary education curriculum marks a step forward. However, addressing the broader issues of brain drain and resource limitations is vital for harnessing and integrating AI to solve local problems effectively.
Minister Bosun Tijani’s unveiling of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy is a pivotal step towards positioning the country as a burgeoning AI powerhouse. By addressing infrastructural deficits, fostering a skilled workforce, and learning from global best practices, Nigeria aims to leverage AI for socio-economic growth and establish itself as a leader in the African AI landscape. This strategy promises to drive sustainable development, innovation, and productivity, positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global AI arena.
