NITDA DG: Africa must lead, not follow in AI revolution
Omeiza Bilal
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged African nations to collaborate in building shared Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure, insisting that the continent must lead—not follow—in the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Speaking at the opening of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Nigeria Conference 2025 in Abuja, Inuwa stressed that Africa must not repeat the mistakes of previous industrial revolutions where it played a marginal role. He argued that the current wave of AI-driven disruption presents a rare opportunity for the continent to transition from being a consumer of technology to becoming a global driver of innovation and digital growth.
“Any country left behind in this AI revolution risks catastrophe, while those who lead will shape the world,” Inuwa declared.
Citing findings by global research firm Epoch AI, he noted that automation and AI adoption could raise global economic growth by 20 percent, potentially doubling the size of the world economy within five years. He said such projections underscore the urgency for Africa to invest in AI capabilities.
“AI is not just another technology trend,” Inuwa explained. “It is the engine that will power productivity, reshape industries, and redefine global competitiveness. For Africa, the stakes are even higher. This is our chance to leapfrog traditional development pathways and secure a strong position in the global digital economy.”
To achieve this, Inuwa outlined four critical pillars for Africa’s AI agenda: the first area is Human Capital Development by harnessing the continent’s vast youth population through initiatives such as Nigeria’s 3 Million Tech Talent (3MTT) programme and the Digital Literacy for All initiative.
The second area is infrastructure by expanding connectivity, building modern data centres, and investing in high-performance computing to ensure African data is processed locally and data sovereignty is preserved.
The third area is policy and Legal Frameworks by creating national AI strategies that foster innovation while ensuring ethical adoption. He noted that Nigeria, under the leadership of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has already begun drafting a national AI strategy that could serve as a model for other countries.
The fourth area is through enabling Ecosystem by supporting startups, strengthening research institutions, and encouraging partnerships with global tech companies. Inuwa revealed that Nigeria has already funded 45 AI-focused startups to accelerate innovation.
The NITDA DG also highlighted the need to develop local large language models (LLMs) that reflect Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and values. He warned that without deliberate efforts, African voices risk being erased from the digital future.
“Our languages, histories, and values must not be erased in the next wave of technological change. We need African LLMs that can tell our stories and preserve our cultural heritage in the age of AI,” he said.
Inuwa concluded with a call for unity, stressing that collective effort is key to positioning Africa as a global competitor in AI.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not a spectator sport,” he cautioned. “It is a global contest of ideas, infrastructure, and innovation. Africa must compete, and the only way to compete is together.”
In his address, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has urged African countries to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) as a key enabler of productivity, competitiveness, and employment creation.
He cautioned that Africa could be left behind if it does not fast track the adoption of artificial intelligence across key sectors of the economy.
The Minister noted that countries already leveraging AI are witnessing exponential gains in agriculture, finance, logistics, and education, while many African economies still depend on guesswork and outdated practices.
“AI will widen the productivity gap between nations. Countries that are already ahead will move even faster, while those still catching up will find it even more difficult,” the minister said.
Earlier, delivering her opening remarks, the Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Trixie LohMirmand, called for deeper global collaboration to ensure Nigeria secures a central place in the AI economy.
“Nigeria is not defined by the headlines or its current challenges, but by the scale of opportunities of tomorrow. Those who stay the course are the future of Africa,” LohMirmand said.
She highlighted the role of GITEX as a global ecosystem of technology stakeholders, investors, and innovators, stressing that Nigeria must “claim its seat at the global digital table.”
LohMirmand reaffirmed DWTC’s commitment to Africa, noting that GITEX Nigeria would provide a strong platform for startups, SMEs, and innovators to access global partnerships and compete on an international scale.
