Lagos, Nigeria, has emerged as a vibrant hub for technological innovation as it welcomes leaders from over 30 countries to the 2024 Pan-African AI Conference.
This landmark event, held in collaboration with the United States, brought together tech industry leaders, academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.
The conference aimed to explore the multifaceted opportunities and challenges presented by the rapid advancement and application of artificial intelligence (AI).
In his opening address, Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, underscored the importance of inclusivity and fairness in the digital transformation journey.
He passionately noted the need for a focus on humanity, stating, “The digital transformation journey is inclusive, fair, and focused on humanity.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing AI innovation, Tijani announced a fund of $61,000 dedicated to supporting the country’s most promising AI start-ups.
Lagos, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Africa, set the stage for lively discussions and exchanges of ideas among delegates from over 30 African countries and their counterparts from the US.
Dr Seth Center, Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, identified two critical challenges for the future of AI. “One challenge is to establish a safe and secure governance framework that will facilitate innovation without hindering it, instilling confidence in citizens worldwide to integrate AI into their lives,” he remarked. Additionally, Center emphasised the necessity of creating an enabling business environment that incentivises private sector investment and development in Nigeria, fostering AI expansion that benefits all involved parties.
The collaboration between Nigeria and the United States highlights the vital role of intercontinental partnerships in driving technological progress.
Both nations recognise the vast economic and social potential that AI holds for the future, making this summit a pivotal step towards a technologically advanced and interconnected Africa.
