DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF NITDA VOWS ONGOING BACKING FOR STARTUPS ADVANCING AI RESEARCH
Kashifu Inuwa the commitment of the government to providing essential resources and initiatives for the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research in the country has been affirmed by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency. The pledge includes sustained support for emerging startups in the nation.
The Director-General stated that this aligns with initiatives to execute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on expediting diversification through industrialization and digitization.
Inuwa shared this information during the Innovate Nigeria 2024 Conference & Expo held at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. He delivered a thought-provoking keynote address on the government’s role in advancing AI research and its implications for Nigeria’s economic future.
Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy Department at the Agency, Inuwa expressed gratitude to Nova Tech for organizing the conference. He highlighted its timeliness amid the rapid acceleration of AI’s transformative potential globally.
In discussing government involvement in AI research, Inuwa referenced global trends where countries like the US and China allocate significant funds for AI research, recognizing its innovation drive and economic growth potential. He emphasized the positive correlation between government investment and AI advancements, projecting a market value surpassing $190 billion by 2025.
Regarding Nigeria’s contributions to AI research, Inuwa outlined key initiatives, including direct investment in research and development, collaborative ecosystem establishment, policy formulation, international collaboration, and support for education and workforce development. He noted that these efforts align with the government’s 8-point agenda, particularly emphasizing the importance of creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Inuwa highlighted the 7th agenda of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation. He stressed its alignment with the government’s role in AI research, focusing on democratizing digital services to create more economic value.
image source: Techeconomy
Elaborating on NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, aimed at elevating the country’s AI research ranking and fostering digital literacy and talent development, Inuwa emphasized the need for collaboration and partnership frameworks to fund research. He mentioned the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, a subsidiary of the Agency, which provides continuous support to startups in conceptualizing ideas through impact and commercialization.
In conclusion, Inuwa reiterated AI’s transformative potential in driving economic prosperity and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the ecosystem to explore new frontiers of knowledge.
New Source: Techeconomy
