Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the future. This statement serves as a rallying cry for its ongoing development. And while concerns over AI’s impact on various industries persist, AI also presents a wealth of opportunities. Across the globe, AI is catalyzing innovation and economic growth. Hence, Nigeria has taken a significant step in inviting scientists of Nigerian heritage and renowned global experts to collaborate on the formulation of its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. According to Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who announced it on X (formerly Twitter), the National Information Technology Development Agency has initiated the development of a National AI Strategy.
A white paper titled “Co-creating a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Nigeria” outlines the meticulous process undertaken to identify accomplished AI researchers with Nigerian roots. Leveraging global AI publication data and advanced machine learning models, this initiative has created a research index to locate influential AI researchers of Nigerian heritage. As the preliminary research phase concludes, the Nigerian government seeks public involvement, acknowledging the potential for errors and aiming to tap into collective knowledge and insights.
These efforts show that the Nigerian government recognizes that AI has developed into a versatile technology, reshaping production and services, and holds immense potential for influencing societal progress and economic expansion. Three weeks ago, the Federal Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency announced plans to build Artificial Intelligence developers’ communities across the country. The plan is to create a community of developers across the country where individuals can learn, collaborate, and subsequently teach others or embark on their entrepreneurial journeys to positively impact society. The initial focus is on three states, with plans to expand to others in the near future.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards addressing the issue of brain drain, a phenomenon where highly skilled individuals leave their home country to work abroad, often to the detriment of the home country’s economy and development. Brain drain has been particularly acute in Nigeria’s tech sector, with many talented AI developers seeking opportunities in countries like the United States and Europe.
Building AI developers’ communities can help in this regard. First, they can provide a platform for AI developers to network and collaborate. This can help to create a more vibrant and supportive tech ecosystem in Nigeria. Second, the communities can provide training and mentorship to aspiring AI developers. This can help to build up the country’s AI talent pool. Third, the communities can help to connect AI developers with job opportunities in Nigeria, making it more appealing for them to remain in the country.
Furthermore, these AI communities can play a pivotal role in inspiring more individuals, including young people and women, to explore tech careers. By offering a space for learning and interaction with fellow tech enthusiasts, they demystify the tech industry and make it more accessible. To fully explore this, the government can explore the possibility of integrating AI education into secondary schools to further broaden its impact.
Countries like China, America, and Singapore all have AI initiatives like this. A PwC report estimates that AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $3 trillion coming from increased productivity and $9.1 trillion from new products and services. In Africa, Mauritius and Egypt have also developed AI strategies. Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, with its rapidly growing number of AI-focused companies, is well-positioned to harness the potential of these AI developers’ communities, thereby making a substantial difference in the nation’s tech landscape.
