As one of the defining technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), AI holds immense promise for transforming key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism.

But realising this promise demands more than innovation – it demands action on digital infrastructure, policy, and investment.

Africa has already begun to adopt AI in meaningful ways – from precision agriculture that boosts yields to AI-driven diagnostics that enhance healthcare delivery.

These innovations offer a glimpse into how AI can address some of the continent’s most persistent challenges, from food insecurity to access to quality medical care and education.

With the right policies in place, including a critical lens in adherence to the principle for the responsible use of  AI, the innovative adoption of AI  will be a powerful enabler of inclusive growth, resilience and competitiveness.

Yet the journey is far from straightforward. The continent continues to face significant barriers, including limited broadband access, insufficient reliable, affordable and sustainable clean energy, and a wide digital divide and usage gap.

As of 2023, according to the latest GSMA State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 data, only 30% of the population in Africa were using mobile internet, while 59% remained covered by a mobile broadband network but were not using it – highlighting the region’s position as having both the largest usage gap and a notable coverage gap of 15%, the widest globally.

Moreover, 4G coverage is approaching 3G levels of coverage whereas 4G and 5G connections had only reached 31%  and 1% respectively as at the end of 2023 with a forecast to reach 50% and 17%  by 2030

This stark disparity is a significant barrier for the adoption of AI solutions in Africa and underscores the need to address affordability, digital literacy, and infrastructure challenges, which are all essential to unlocking AI’s potential across Africa.

There are also deeper structural inequalities that shape access to digital technologies. Cost, geography, gender and education all determine who can participate in – and benefit from – the AI revolution.

Without targeted policies to bridge these divides, we risk entrenching existing inequities and missing out on AI’s full potential to drive equitable progress.

Governments across Africa must take the lead in creating enabling environments for AI to thrive. This includes promoting private sector investments  in infrastructure, partnerships in digital literacy to stimulate usage of digital services and the upskilling of the workforce, incentivising innovation, and developing regulatory frameworks that both mitigate risks and promote responsible use of AI.

The African Union’s Continental AI Strategy provides a clear path forward, with a strong focus on infrastructure, governance, and inclusive development.

Recent developments, such as the launch of Africa’s first AI-ready data centre in South Africa, signal growing momentum – but we need many more such investments across the continent.

South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in 2025 offers a unique opportunity to champion Africa’s digital development on the global stage and to mobilise investment and partnerships that can accelerate progress.

Africa’s AI future is not only possible – it is within reach. But it will take decisive leadership, meaningful collaboration between public and private sectors, and a shared commitment to putting people at the centre of technological advancement.

The G20 Ministerial Meeting brought together leaders and experts from the world’s largest economies to discuss strategies and policies for fostering digital transformation, economic growth, and innovation.

Nigeria’s representation at the event was masterfully coordinated by NITDA, demonstrating the country’s commitment to harnessing technology for economic advancement.

The Nigerian delegation led by Dr. Willam Allo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Dr. Allo, on behalf of Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister, demonstrated resolute dedication to propelling Nigeria into a new era of technological progress.

Serving as a testament to the collaborative spirit driving Nigeria’s endeavors in the digital landscape, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General, NITDA, stood side by side with Dr. Allo in co-leading the delegation.

Their joint leadership not only underscored the seamless coordination within the delegation but also exemplified the unity driving Nigeria’s efforts on the global stage.

During this year’s highly anticipated annual assembly, a considerable amount of attention and importance were directed towards the concerted efforts aimed at fostering progress and development within the realm of technology and its multifaceted impact on our contemporary society.

The core focus of the discussions and deliberations revolved around the overarching objective of bolstering and advancing three pivotal domains, which have been identified as critical cornerstones in the ongoing journey towards an increasingly interconnected and secure digital landscape.

Foremost among these areas of concentration is the strategic endeavor to fortify and expand the sphere of Digital Public Infrastructure that encompasses a comprehensive array of initiatives and undertakings designed to optimise the foundational framework upon which our modern digital society is built.

A resolute commitment was also articulated towards the formulation and implementation of innovative Digital Skills Strategies of equipping individuals with the necessary proficiencies to navigate and thrive within the digital ecosystem cannot be overstated.

Furthermore, an integral facet that dominated the discourse throughout the assembly was the importance of fortifying Cybersecurity measures aimed at safeguarding of sensitive information, critical infrastructures, and individual privacy in the grand scheme of technological advancement.

The discussions encompassed a comprehensive examination of contemporary threats and vulnerabilities, along with the formulation of proactive strategies aimed at mitigating risks and enhancing the resilience of digital systems. Collaborative efforts spanning public and private sectors were underscored as instrumental in developing a robust cybersecurity ecosystem that can effectively counteract and neutralise the evolving threat landscape.

In addition to the core members of the delegation, six (6) innovative Nigerian startups namely; EveryFarmer, Flexisaf, BetterLife, Hallainvest, Quadloop and Lexchain sponsored by NITDA were also bestowed with a remarkable opportunity to participate the programme. This sponsorship aimed to facilitate their active engagement on a global scale, fostering invaluable networking opportunities with their counterparts hailing from various corners of the world.

These startups not only showcased their technological prowess but also demonstrated the pivotal role they play in propelling Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. Their presence resonated with the broader theme of the delegation’s mission, which was to position Nigeria as a burgeoning hub of digital ingenuity and innovation, capable of fostering groundbreaking solutions with global relevance.

Nigerian education technology startup, Flexisaf, clinched the Best Audience Choice Award, standing out among over 150 other startups from different parts of the world. The award recognizes the startup that has demonstrated the most potential to make a positive impact on education through technology.

Flexisaf is a platform that provides personalised learning experiences for students of all ages.

The platform uses artificial intelligence to track students’ progress and adapt the curriculum accordingly. Flexisaf also offers a variety of features to help students stay motivated and engaged, such as gamified learning, social learning, and real-time feedback.