Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop which will be hosted in Abuja from 15th to 18th April, 2024.
Supported by the global fundraising organization, Luminate, the workshop aims to develop a comprehensive framework for a multi-year strategy and action plan concerning the research, application, and adoption of AI within Nigeria.
In a LinkedIn post, Dr. Tijani expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming workshop, highlighting its significance in shaping Nigeria’s approach to AI. He stated, “we will develop a co-created framework for a multi-year strategy and action plan for the research, application, and adoption of AI in Nigeria.” The event is expected to convene 120 of Nigeria’s leading researchers and startups in the field of AI, with the support of various partner organisations.
Reflecting on the ministry’s commitment to advancing AI initiatives, Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts to harness the potential of AI for national development. “One of the earliest initiatives from the start of my term in office was to properly define and outline a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria.” He noted.
Acknowledging the transformative potential of AI across various sectors, Dr. Tijani highlighted the significance of the resulting strategy in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges in education, agriculture, healthcare, and beyond. He believed that the strategic framework would guide efforts to leverage technology effectively for societal advancement and economic growth.
The ministry has collaborated with key stakeholders, including academics and entrepreneurs, to advance AI initiatives in Nigeria. Projects such as the National Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) project have been instrumental in the application of AI in everyday life.
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
