Delegates from 30 African countries gather in Nigeria for AI conference
Tech leaders, academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond have come together in Nigeria for the 2024 Pan-African AI Conference. The event, co-hosted by the United States, is a key step in shaping Africa’s technological future, focusing on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI).
Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of a collaborative and inclusive approach to AI development. He stressed that Africa’s digital transformation must be “equitable and human-focused” to benefit all.
As part of the event, Tijani also announced a $61,000 AI fund to support Nigeria’s most promising AI startups, further solidifying Lagos’ reputation as the “Silicon Valley of Africa.”
Dr. Seth Center, Acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, highlighted two major challenges facing AI’s future: creating a secure governance framework that fosters innovation, and establishing a business environment that encourages private sector investment in AI development.
The Nigeria-US collaboration at the conference underscored the significance of cross-continental partnerships in driving technological advancements, with AI seen as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress across Africa.
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