Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has urged African nations to develop their own artificial intelligence systems rather than depend on foreign technologies. He made this call during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme in Abuja.
Minister Tijani emphasized that Africa needs AI solutions specifically designed to address the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. He warned that relying solely on AI systems developed in other regions could limit Africa’s ability to solve its own problems and harness technology for local development.
The minister highlighted several areas where Africa-focused AI could make a significant impact, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and public service delivery. He noted that homegrown AI solutions would be better positioned to understand and respond to African contexts, languages, and needs.
This approach forms part of Nigeria’s broader effort to position itself as a technology leader in Africa. The country recently announced plans to establish a national AI research centre and develop comprehensive AI guidelines to ensure ethical and responsible use of the technology.
The UNDP delegation expressed support for Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts and discussed potential areas of collaboration. Both parties explored how international partnerships could support the development of local AI capabilities while ensuring that technological progress benefits all segments of society.
Minister Tijani’s comments reflect a growing movement across Africa to develop technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign solutions. Several African countries are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure and homegrown innovation to drive economic growth and improve public services.
The meeting concluded with commitments to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and international organizations in developing human capital and creating an enabling environment for technological innovation across Africa.
