Nigeria is at a critical juncture regarding its potential in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, with warnings that the country risks missing out on a $1.2 trillion share of the global AI economy by 2030. Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, managing director of NigComSat, emphasized the urgent need for policy action to harness this opportunity effectively. The global AI market is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030, with Africa poised to gain $1.2 trillion if the right policies are implemented [6fc82b23].
The GSMA report also highlights that AI could significantly support Africa's socio-economic growth, estimating a potential boost of $2.9 trillion by 2030 through various applications in agriculture, climate action, and energy. Over 90 AI use cases identified in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa demonstrate the technology's capacity to drive socio-economic and climate impact [8413e6f4].
However, Nigeria faces challenges in realizing its AI potential, particularly in internet access, with only 45.5% of Nigerians online as of early 2024. The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has released a draft National AI Strategy aimed at positioning Nigeria as a global AI leader. This initiative underscores the need for coordinated efforts to expand digital infrastructure, which is crucial for AI development [6fc82b23].
In agriculture, AI's potential is particularly notable, especially in regions like Benue State, where it can enhance productivity and sustainability. The GSMA report emphasizes that AI applications in agriculture can provide data-driven insights to farmers, improving crop management and resilience against climate change [4cb7ab0d].
Moreover, AI's role in addressing food insecurity is being explored, with projects using machine learning to predict food shortages in Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative aims to assist policymakers in implementing timely interventions to alleviate hunger [cb3ca318].
As Nigeria seeks to capitalize on the AI revolution, it must overcome barriers such as limited digital infrastructure and the need for robust legal frameworks to support innovation. The upcoming meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, on December 9, 2024, will focus on these challenges and the necessary steps to leverage AI for economic growth [6fc82b23].