ABUJA, Nigeria – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has warned that Africa risks being reduced to a “continent of consumers” if it fails to urgently embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the 2025 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Abuja, Tijani said AI is widening productivity gaps between nations.
“If we cannot close this gap, Africa will remain a consumer — importing food, services, and innovation instead of producing and leading,” he said.
He urged investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and youth-focused programmes, citing examples where AI-driven satellite imaging helps farmers abroad achieve higher yields.
Other speakers, including NITDA DG Kashifu Abdullahi and GITEX VP Trixie LohMirmand, stressed that Africa must leverage its talent and digital-native population to seize leadership in the AI era.
