The Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, has called on Nigeria and other African countries to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing the continent’s unique challenges.
Takang made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 13th edition of the Digital Africa Conference on Data Sovereignty, themed “Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in Global AI Order.”
He emphasized the need for Africa to focus on developing AI solutions that reflect its distinct realities, rather than waiting for external intervention.
“They focus on solutions and algorithms for problems that affect them the most. They won’t come and solve your problems—we have to solve ours,” Takang said. “Our dialects, food, and cultural values are different. What excites us differs from what excites others. In this AI space, we must develop solutions that mirror our peculiarities because no one else will do it for us.”
Speaking on data sovereignty, Takang recalled that over a decade ago, Nigeria initiated policies to ensure that data generated by the government about its citizens and transactions remained within the country.
“About 15 years ago, we led an initiative for data sovereignty and insisted that government data must reside in Nigeria. But many multinational companies already had long-term plans to harvest and store our data in Europe and the United States,” he said.
In his address, the Chairman of Digital Africa, Dr. Evans Woherem, said Africa must stop being a passive consumer of technology created elsewhere.
“Africa has long been a consumer of technology designed and controlled by others. Our data, languages, and cultures are often excluded from the global decision-making tables. This must change,” Woherem stated.
He described the conference theme, “Sovereign Intelligence,” as a call to action, stressing that Africa must take control of its digital destiny and ensure that technology serves its people.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of CDT Communications Ltd, Mr. Abiodun Omoniyi, said the conference represents a growing movement to define Africa’s role in the global digital landscape.
“In today’s interconnected world, sovereignty goes beyond physical border it’s about control of our data, digital infrastructure, and innovation pathways,” Omoniyi said. “True independence now depends on how we harness technology to empower our people and drive inclusive growth.
