Electricity, internet pose challenges to AI infrastructure – FG

Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has highlighted the challenges of inadequate power supply and slow internet connectivity in Nigeria's pursuit of Artificial intelligence. During the inaugural Africa's AI infrastructure conference, Build 2026, he emphasized that access to updated chips and cloud computing remain significant obstacles to Nigeria's AI strategy.

The conference, organized by AI Collective, a coalition of various educational institutions and agencies, was led by Policy Innovation Centre. The Minister, represented by Dr Olubunmi Ajala, noted that NVIDIA releases new chip models every three or six months, yet Nigeria struggles to receive them in time. The Minister proposed constructing a data center near Egbin Power Station in Lagos to address the power supply issue, aiming to utilize about 60% of the unused capacity.

Additionally, the conference aims to bridge the gap in infrastructure, with plans to build a data park in Egbin that will benefit Nigeria and Togo in West Africa. Luminate CEO Melanie Hui pointed out the value of Africa's youthful and expanding population, as well as its diverse markets, languages, cultures, and social realities, to the future development of AI systems.

However, she cautioned against treating people and communities as sources of data for others to utilize, stressing the importance of data ownership grounded in dignity, consent, safety, and public good. Lastly, Executive Director Dr Osasuyi Dirisu emphasized that Build 2026 aims to tackle three strategic priorities - Infrastructure, Economics, and Digital Sovereignty - to shape Africa's AI future and determine the continent's position in the global AI ecosystem.