The US of America (USA) and Nigeria are poised to discover potential partnership alternatives within the digital economic system, rising know-how, and the development of synthetic intelligence (AI). The discussions intention to strengthen financial ties between the 2 international locations and foster deeper collaborations in these areas.
The Deputy Chief of Mission on the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Arthur Brown, introduced that high-level U.S. authorities officers will likely be in Abuja for a convention underneath the auspices of the U.S.-Nigeria Bi-Nationwide Fee. The convention will present a platform for each international locations to debate the digital economic system, rising know-how, and AI developments.
In the course of the closing ceremony of a four-day Workshop on Nationwide Synthetic Intelligence Technique in Abuja, Mr. Brown highlighted the significance of fostering partnerships and dealing collectively to drive strong, resilient, and inclusive financial development. The US is able to work with Nigeria as equal companions in numerous areas, together with expertise improvement, infrastructure, analysis, and innovation. Mr. Brown additionally recommended Nigeria for its assist on the adoption of a landmark United Nations decision on AI and pledged the U.S. authorities’s continued partnership with Nigeria on the economic system.
Nigeria has proven a rising dedication to AI and rising applied sciences lately. In November 2020, the nation established the Nationwide Centre for Synthetic Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), the primary of its sort in Africa, marking a serious second for state-level dedication to AI. The NCAIR was established consistent with Nigeria’s Nationwide Digital Financial system Coverage and Technique 2020 – 2030, which listed AI as one of many eight pillars of the nation’s digital economic system.
For the reason that institution of the NCAIR, AI has featured extra prominently in authorities coverage efforts. The NCAIR launched packages to equip kids with coding and machine studying expertise, making them conversant with AI and different rising applied sciences. The Nigerian authorities has additionally directed the Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC) to supply AI analysis grants to tertiary establishments to drive innovation and enhance financial resilience.
In March 2023, Nigeria drafted a Nationwide AI coverage, co-created by the Nationwide Info Know-how Growth Company and trade consultants, to additional strengthen its AI dedication. The nation has additionally launched initiatives like the three million Technical Skills (3MTT) program and the Nigeria Synthetic Intelligence Analysis Scheme (NAIRS) to coach younger individuals in AI and assist AI startups and researchers.
The upcoming discussions between the USA and Nigeria current a possibility for each international locations to share information, experience, and finest practices within the digital economic system, rising know-how, and AI developments. By aligning AI governance and guaranteeing protected, safe, clear, and reliable AI deployment, the partnership goals to drive financial development and innovation in each nations.
Picture supply: Shutterstock
. . .
