African organisations are struggling to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) due to various barriers, including high costs, market and regulatory factors, workforce readiness, infrastructure, skills gaps, ethics, and governance concerns. According to Saad Toma, General Manager of IBM Middle East and Africa, these obstacles must be overcome for Africa to harness the potential of AI and leapfrog traditional development stages. Toma urges businesses and governments to invest in developing the necessary skills, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks to support AI adoption.
In a keynote address at the GITEX Africa 2024, Toma emphasized the importance of an AI-first approach, where AI is integrated into business strategy across the lifecycle. He also stressed the need for a robust AI strategy and the right level of investment to gain a competitive edge and unlock new opportunities. Meanwhile, AI researcher Ejovwoke Enakirerhi highlighted the need to bridge the widening knowledge gap about AI in Nigeria and inspire young minds to be interested in the field.
