Africa Must Collaborate on AI or Risk Falling Behind – Nigeria’s Minister Bosun Tijani Warns

In a strong call to action at the GITEX Nigeria Summit 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, urged African governments to collaborate on building infrastructure and governance around artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasized that without coordinated efforts, the continent could face a much larger productivity gap compared to the rest of the world.

Minister Bosun Tijani warned that while many countries are rapidly advancing in AI, Africa risks being left behind if it fails to act collectively. “The risk for Africa is clear; if we are not deliberate, AI will widen the global productivity gap.” he said in his keynote speech. He added, “Countries already ahead will move even faster, and those of us still catching up will find ourselves even further behind.”

His remarks serve as a wake-up call for African leaders, tech innovators, and policymakers to come together and invest in building robust AI ecosystems that support sustainable development, education, and innovation across the continent.

As AI becomes a central driver of global progress, Africa’s ability to collaborate, adapt, and invest in this space could determine its place in the future world economy.

The minister made these remarks on Monday during the opening of the inaugural GITEX Nigeria Summit 2025, a major four-day technology event designed to accelerate digital transformation and innovation across Nigeria and beyond. The summit, taking place from September 1st to 4th in Abuja and Lagos, is being supported by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).