AfriTECH 4.0: Blockchain, AI Offer Africa Unprecedented Opportunities – NITDA DG

Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain and AI in positioning Africa as a global technology leader.

In his keynote address, titled “Blockchain Technology & AI: Positioning Africa for the Future,” and delivered at the Africa Tech Alliance (AfriTECH 4.0) Forum held in Lagos recently, Abdullahi emphasized Africa’s unique position to leverage these technologies for economic and social development.

With mobile penetration at 80% and a rapidly growing youth population, Africa, he noted, is fertile ground for digital transformation, noting that Blockchain and AI offer unparalleled opportunities to propel Africa into the future as a leader in the global digital economy.

“Both blockchain and artificial intelligence are powerful technologies that offer Africa unprecedented opportunities. By strategically integrating these technologies, we can propel Africa forward as a dynamic leader in the global digital economy,” he said.

Abdullahi who was represented at the event by Mrs. Rita Shoremi, Head, Startup Innovations and IT solutions, NITDA, South West Zone, outlined the potential of blockchain to address challenges in financial inclusion, governance, and property rights across the continent arguing that with over 57% of Africans unbanked, blockchain can extend financial services to underserved regions, adding an estimated $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025.

“Africa stands at a unique juncture. Our continent has seen remarkable digital growth, with mobile phone penetration reaching 80% across sub-Saharan Africa according to a World Bank, 2022 report.

“Africa is also home to one of the world’s fastest-growing youth populations, over 60% of whom are under the age of 25 by a UN Population Data of 2022. These dynamics offer a fertile ground for digital transformation, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI have the potential to redefine key sectors that fuel Africa’s economy,” Abdullahi stated.

Blockchain technology, he said, is gaining global recognition for its potential to bring transparency, security, and efficiency to multiple sectors, noting that for Africa, the applications of blockchain are wide-ranging and transformative especially in   combating corruption and securing land ownership through transparent digital records.

On Artificial Intelligence and its role at driving productivity and innovation, the NITDA DG averred that AI, as a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is expected to contribute over $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, adding that for Africa, AI can transform critical sectors, from healthcare to agriculture and education, driving progress and closing infrastructural gaps.

Abdullahi highlighted AI’s transformative role in agriculture, healthcare, and education, and stressed that AI-driven solutions are improving crop yields and optimizing resources in agriculture, while AI diagnostics help bridge healthcare gaps.  Additionally, AI-powered education platforms can address Africa’s shortage of teachers by providing personalized learning at scale.

To fully capitalize on blockchain and AI, Abdullahi emphasized the need for supportive policies, strategic partnerships, and youth empowerment and noted that NITDA’s eight-pillar strategy aligns with Nigeria’s goals for digital literacy, infrastructure access, and global research collaboration, with a goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027.

He opined that there has not been a time when the government of the day in Nigeria, has shown much interest as well as being intentional about economic transformation rooted in technical efficiency and innovation than now.

“The focus on AI research with an ambitious global target is just one aspect. Presently we are already operating a centre called The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics which has remained focused on supporting young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas as well as building the capacity of young Nigerians in the Area of AI,” he said.

Abdullahi insisted that while technological innovation is one single factor that can change the story of Nigeria as a nation, AI is the force to power these innovations, democratize its access and catalyse the nation into a new horizon.

He expressed the hope for a future where the collaboration between governments and the AI research community leads to new frontiers of knowledge and economic prosperity and underscored Africa’s potential as a pioneer in the digital revolution.

While urging stakeholders to harness these technologies to drive economic prosperity and social inclusion, Abdullahi tasked participants by declaring: “Africa’s potential in the digital age is boundless. By embracing blockchain and AI, we can create a future where technology serves as a bridge to economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

“We are not just spectators in the digital revolution; we are pioneers. Let us seize this moment to place Africa at the forefront of global innovation.”