CRAN CEO stresses AI’s potential for Africa at ICT forum
African countries recently marked the 47th African Telecommunications/ICT Day, gathering policymakers and regulators from across the continent to address the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the region’s future.
The event focused on Africa’s modest 2.5% share of the global AI market, valued at over a trillion dollars.
Key figures, including Emilia Nghikembua, CEO of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), highlighted the role of ICT regulators in fostering national AI policies to ensure Africa’s competitiveness in the digital era.
Speaking at the forum, Nghikembua emphasised the transformative potential of AI in addressing local challenges, driving sustainable development and reducing the continent’s digital divide.
She pointed out that despite AI’s potential, many African countries are lagging in regulatory frameworks and national AI policies.
“AI offers a unique opportunity to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, from infrastructure deficits to education and healthcare gaps. However, the lack of cohesive and forward-thinking policies may slow our progress and restrict AI’s potential,” she noted.
Power of AI
She used Namibia’s green hydrogen project as a case study, noting how a conducive regulatory environment has enabled the project to thrive, positioning Namibia as a regional leader in green energy.
Furthermore, Nghikembua highlighted successful AI initiatives in other African countries, including Uganda’s use of AI in agriculture, South Africa’s AI-driven diagnostics in radiology and Nigeria’s use of AI in inventory forecasting.
John Omo, the secretary general of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), echoed Nghikembua’s sentiments, stressing that the absence of sound policy frameworks stifles the region’s AI potential. “The African continent represents only 2.5% of the global AI market. To change this, we must prioritise the development of robust policies and regulations that ensure equitable access to AI technologies and solutions,” he said.
The event focused on Africa’s modest 2.5% share of the global AI market, valued at over a trillion dollars.
Key figures, including Emilia Nghikembua, CEO of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), highlighted the role of ICT regulators in fostering national AI policies to ensure Africa’s competitiveness in the digital era.
Speaking at the forum, Nghikembua emphasised the transformative potential of AI in addressing local challenges, driving sustainable development and reducing the continent’s digital divide.
She pointed out that despite AI’s potential, many African countries are lagging in regulatory frameworks and national AI policies.
“AI offers a unique opportunity to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, from infrastructure deficits to education and healthcare gaps. However, the lack of cohesive and forward-thinking policies may slow our progress and restrict AI’s potential,” she noted.
Power of AI
She used Namibia’s green hydrogen project as a case study, noting how a conducive regulatory environment has enabled the project to thrive, positioning Namibia as a regional leader in green energy.
Furthermore, Nghikembua highlighted successful AI initiatives in other African countries, including Uganda’s use of AI in agriculture, South Africa’s AI-driven diagnostics in radiology and Nigeria’s use of AI in inventory forecasting.
John Omo, the secretary general of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), echoed Nghikembua’s sentiments, stressing that the absence of sound policy frameworks stifles the region’s AI potential. “The African continent represents only 2.5% of the global AI market. To change this, we must prioritise the development of robust policies and regulations that ensure equitable access to AI technologies and solutions,” he said.
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