Experts Highlight Blockchain, AI, e-Commerce Potentials for Africa

Agnes Ekebuike

Technology experts at the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held in Lagos recently, have highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain and AI in positioning Africa as a global technology leader.

The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, in his keynote address, titled: ‘Blockchain Technology, AI: Positioning Africa for the Future’, emphasised Africa’s unique position to leverage these technologies for economic and social development.

With mobile penetration at about 80 per cent and a rapidly growing youth population, Africa, he noted, remained fertile ground for digital transformation, noting that Blockchain and AI offer unparalleled opportunities to propel Africa into the future as a leader in the global digital economy.

“Both blockchain and artificial intelligence are powerful technologies that offer Africa unprecedented opportunities. By strategically integrating these technologies, we can propel Africa forward as a dynamic leader in the global digital economy,” he said.

In his presentation titled: ‘Navigating The Future of Technology In Africa:

The Intersection of AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Cybersecurity’, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, examined adoption trends, industry impact, and the key challenges across these technologies.

Taking an overview of emerging technologies in Africa, Obadare who was represented by CISO and Group Head of Information Security at Digital

Regional General Manager, QNET sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Biram Fall, said: “With over 350 million unbanked adults, there is a significant potential of financial inclusion and digital solutions for Africa, and a vast opportunity to expand access to financial security, event through electronic commerce (eCommerce).”

Presenting a paper titled: Building Digital Infrastructure for a Sustainable Digital Economy, through a representative, Mr. Nnamdi Onoh, of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Adeyanju noted that technology has the potential to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, and that at Galaxy Backbone, they are dedicated to building the foundational digital infrastructure that supports this vision.