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By Obi Umegbolu
Envision a tomorrow where technology progresses and grows with intention, driven by values that place humanity above financial gain. Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has laid the groundwork for this ambitious vision, endorsing groundbreaking connectivity and AI projects that pave the way for the creation of the National Artificial Intelligence Trust. This initiative transcends mere digital advancement—it’s a purposeful stride toward a future where innovation flourishes hand in hand with ethical responsibility, safety, and equal opportunity.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Nigeria has approved two significant initiatives to advance the nation’s digital economy: the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust. These initiatives aim to expand connectivity to underserved communities and position Nigeria as a global leader in AI.
The Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project, established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model, aligns with the infrastructure pillar of the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint and complements Project Bridge, which plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country. This initiative aims to connect 21 million people in underserved communities, enhancing access to digital services and opportunities.
The National AI Trust focuses on positioning Nigeria as a global leader in AI by promoting the development and adoption of AI technologies across various sectors. This initiative aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and address societal challenges through AI solutions.
These initiatives align with the mission of AI for Africa Thinktank, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and leveraging the power of AI to accelerate the transformation of the African continent.
At AI for Africa Thinktank, we aim to contribute to solving critical development challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, and agriculture by creating awareness, training, and promoting the applications of AI for value creation.
The FEC’s approval of these initiatives is a significant step towards achieving AI for Africa’s mission, as it demonstrates a commitment to expanding digital infrastructure and fostering AI development in Nigeria. However, the success of these initiatives depends on strategic and consistent implementation plans, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, educational institutions, and non-profit organisations.
AI for Africa Thinktank is eager to work with these stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives and to maximize their impact on Nigeria’s digital transformation. By leveraging our network of AI experts, educators, and practitioners, we can provide valuable insights and support to drive the adoption of AI technologies and to develop solutions that address the country’s most pressing challenges.
We call upon all stakeholders to join us in this endeavour to harness the transformative potential of AI for the benefit of all Nigerians and Africa at large. Let us create a dynamic network of change agents who will fully leverage AI to accelerate the development of the continent.
The FEC’s approval of the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project and the National AI Trust is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. With strategic implementation and collaborative efforts, these initiatives have the potential to drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians. AI for Africa Thinktank is committed to supporting these efforts and to working with all stakeholders to achieve our shared goals.
We invite you to join us in this mission to harness the power of AI for Africa’s transformation. A future where AI is accessible to all Africans, enabling innovation, growth, and sustainable development across the continent, is possible and within our reach.
