Author: Mieba Gogo-Abite

Nigeria is stepping up efforts to position itself as a leading artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Africa, as government agencies intensify initiatives to develop local talent, infrastructure, and homegrown AI technologies. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says the country is pursuing a strategic vision that places AI at the centre of digital transformation, economic growth, and technological innovation. Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria is working to harness AI responsibly while ensuring that the technology benefits businesses, government services, and citizens. “Our vision is to leverage artificial intelligence as a driver of innovation and national development…

A New Phase in the Global AI Contest Artificial intelligence has moved from being a specialised research pursuit to a central force shaping economies, geopolitics and everyday life. Over the past decade, the global AI landscape has been dominated by a handful of powerful actors, most notably OpenAI in the United States, Google’s sprawling AI research ecosystem, and, more recently, xAI, founded by Elon Musk with an explicit ideological stance on “truth-seeking” systems. In this crowded and highly strategic field, the emergence of DeepSeek, a China-based AI research organisation, has drawn growing attention. DeepSeek represents not merely another competitor but…

In Nigeria, a country navigating complex social, economic, and political landscapes, AI promises both opportunities and challenges. From automating bureaucratic procedures to supporting intelligence analysis and public service delivery, AI tools are increasingly influencing decision-making at the highest levels of government. Yet, this technological shift raises critical questions about legitimacy, transparency, and accountability. A Quick Look at AI in the Public Sector What Is AI in Governance? Artificial intelligence in governance refers to the use of computer algorithms, machine learning models, and predictive analytics to support or automate government processes. These applications can include: Policy analysis and forecasting: Predicting economic…

In a decisive move poised to reshape the country’s economic landscape, the Government of Tanzania has launched a landmark scholarship initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and allied technological fields. The scheme -known as the Samia Extended Scholarship for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Allied Sciences (DS/AI+)-is more than an educational programme; it is a strategic investment in the nation’s future. Unveiled in July 2025 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the scholarship reflects a growing consensus within government circles that mastery of advanced technologies is central to Tanzania’s…

Many people still don’t know that Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept discussed only in tech laboratories or foreign universities. In Nigeria today, AI is quietly shaping how we learn, work, do business, create content, and even solve everyday problems. At the centre of this transformation is a powerful branch of artificial intelligence known as generative AI. But what exactly is generative AI? Why is everyone talking about it? And more importantly, how does it affect Nigerians, from students, creators, entrepreneurs, businesses, and government institutions? This article answers those questions clearly and in practical terms. What Is Generative…

Did you know that Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept? It is now an essential part of how individuals and businesses discover, process, and use information. Among the emerging tools in this space, Perplexity AI has become a widely discussed platform for intelligent search and research. For Nigerian users—from students and professionals to entrepreneurs and journalists-understanding how Perplexity AI works and how to use it effectively can open new possibilities for faster, more accurate research and decision-making. What Is Perplexity AI? Perplexity AI is an AI-powered search engine and question-answering tool that leverages large language models to provide…

African countries are emerging as unexpected leaders in global artificial intelligence (AI) workforce readiness, according to recent industry and policy assessments, signalling a shift in how the continent is positioning itself in the global AI economy. While national AI readiness across Africa remains uneven, new data show that African organisations are outperforming their global peers in one critical area: preparing employees to use AI tools effectively. The findings suggest that, despite infrastructure and talent constraints, momentum in workforce training and adoption is gaining pace across the continent. Africa Leads in Workforce AI Upskilling A recent global survey published in the…