Stakeholders at the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition in Abuja, have pushed for Africa’s ownership of data, infrastructure and tech policies in the global digital ecosystem.
Dr Evans Woherem, Chairman, Digital Africa, who stated this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the two-day event, with the theme:”Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Al Order,” said that for too long, Africa has been a consumer of technology designed and controlled elsewhere.
Woherem pointed out that African youths and experts are frequently excluded in the Artificial Intelligence (Al) systems.
According to him, “Our data is stored and used by others. Our languages and cultures are from the global tables where decisions are made.
“This needs to change,often we are missing from Al systems, and our youth and experts are frequently excluded.”
He, therefore, underscored the need for stakeholders to amplify African voices in the global arena.
“Showcase the smart solutions we’re already building in health, agriculture, finance, and education, and support startups and digital creators solving local problems.
“Train and equip our people.Focus on digital skills, research, and capacity building, especially for young Africans.
“Africa’s digital revolution starts with us, in this room. Let’s make it count. Let’s ensure that Africa is not just a consumer but a creator, not just a follower but a leader in the global digital order.”
In her welcome address, Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager, Digital Africa, said this year’s theme captures a crucial moment in Africa’s journey, as artificial intelligence reshapes industries, economies and even governance, adding that “Africa must not stand at the periphery.”
“It calls on us to build system that not only leverage global technologies but also embody African intelligence, our creativity, cultural diversity and problem-solving spirit.
“It challenges us to move from being data sources to becoming data stewards, from technology adopters to innovators shaping the global digital future.
“This is why data sits at the heart of today’s conversations.Truly, data has become the new oil of the digital economy and the resource upon which innovation, artificial intelligence and governance now depend.”
She disclosed that her organisation in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and ActionAid Nigeria, has flagged-off the Nigeria Data Challenge, designed to nurture a new generation of young Nigerians who are still in secondary schools to understand data ethics, privacy and digital responsibility.
According to her, “By doing this, we are preparing our young ones to take their rightful place in the global Al ecosystem by being informed, empowered and ready to lead.”
In his goodwill message, Engr. Biodun Omoniyi, Chief Executive Officer of VDT Communications Limited, while commending the organisers of the event, said the theme of this year’s conference is not only profound but also timely.
Omoniyi said the theme, “calls us to reflect — and to act. In today’s interconnected world, sovereignty is no longer just about physical borders.
“It’s about control — control of our data, our digital infrastructure, and our innovation pathways.
“True independence now depends on how we harness technology to empower our people and drive inclusive growth.”
Recall that the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition, organised annually by Digital Africa Global Consults Limited, has become a platform for shaping conversations, inspiring innovation and building bridges across the continent’s digital landscape for over a decade now.
