Table of Contents
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not coming. It is already here.
And while the world debates ethics and efficiency, Africa must focus on access and acceleration.
Most people still think AI is only for Silicon Valley or sci-fi movies. That mindset is dangerous because AI is already writing reports, managing farms, diagnosing diseases, and even helping kids learn faster.
Here’s the truth: Every sector in Africa will either integrate AI or become obsolete.
So what should we do?
1. Government: Move from Talk to Tools
Pass data governance laws. Incentivize AI startups. Fund research, not just roadshows.
2. Educators: Update the Curriculum
Stop teaching only Java and For Loops. Start teaching Prompt Engineering, Data Ethics, and Generative AI literacy.
3. Businesses: Automate or Die
The smartest SMEs in Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi are already using ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot to cut costs. If you’re not using AI, your competitor already is.
4. Tech Founders: Build Local Models
Train models on Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, and Swahili data. We must not let Africa’s voice be missing in the next generation of AI.
5. You: Start Now
Learn. Experiment. Apply. Don’t wait for government grants. Use free tools. Test them on your work. Even if you’re not a techie AI is now no-code.
This is why I wrote “Artificial Intelligence for Everyday Africans” and built AI in Africa: To make sure this continent doesn’t miss the 4th Industrial Revolution like it did the last three.
Click here to Download a Free Copy
We must stop consuming tech like customers and start shaping it like creators.
The future won’t wait. And neither should we.
Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunmola
AI Evangelist | Product Manager | Author
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seunogunmola
