FG targets $15.7 trillion Artificial Intelligence market

Intensifies strategies towards participation
Federal Government has expressed its readiness to ensure that Nigeria has a voice in the development and regulations of Artificial Intelligence on the global stage.

Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, stated this, yesterday, at the opening of a workshop on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, organised by the ministry in conjunction with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, the Galaxy Backbone, Google and other development partners.

Tijani noted that because there would soon be a global convergence on the ways and manners Artificial Intelligence would be developed and deployed by global powers, it had become imperative for Nigeria to be an active participant.

He spoke just as the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, stated that Nigeria could benefit from the global AI market with an estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $15.7 trillion by 2030.

Inuwa explained that the AI industry would add between $2.7 and $4.6 trillion to the global economy before 2030, saying it was an opportunity Nigeria must not miss.

He noted that the AI workshop was not only critical, but presented an opportunity for the country to develop a strategy for the country to maximise the potential in the sector.

He said: ‘Artificial Intelligence is still new and everybody is grappling. What you see are the fragments; countries are taking a silent approach to how they go about it. But it’s a phenomenon that is global. So, what’s going to happen is that in about three to five years, we will start to harmonise the different thinking.

The minister added: “Digital technology is a reality in Asia, America, and Europe. The reality should be the same in Nigeria and Africa. We cannot afford to be left behind. The U.S., UK and Asia all have inputs on how AI is developed and regulated. Right now, there are lots of silos regarding the ways and manners AI are developed and applied. And in a short while, there will be a convergence on AI systems, so Nigeria should be part of that global superpower in the development and regulations of AI.”

He noted that Artificial Intelligence would change the narratives in all areas of human endeavours, adding that the workshop would provide an opportunity to develop a strategic roadmap that would enhance knowledge, skills, participation, development, and deployment.

Tijani stated that Nigeria should show leadership from the perspective of Africa on how AI is deployed.

He said he expected the workshop to come up with far-reaching and deep resolutions and strategies on the way forward for the adoption and deployment of AI in Nigeria.

The workshop had the theme: “Developing the High-Level Strategy and Implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria.”