The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Transformation: North African Context

As the world becomes more intertwined through the power of technology and digitalization, the need to perform operations and manage daily activities effectively to gain competitiveness and be positioned for the myriad of opportunities that are widely accessible also becomes crucial. AI - Artificial Intelligence as one of the emerging technologies has been found worthy in providing automation,  data analysis, risk management assessment for businesses, and governance of economies.

Additionally, AI is emerging as a critical driver of innovation and growth. Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in governance and digital transformation by revolutionizing how governments operate, interact with citizens, and deliver services. By leveraging AI technologies, governments can enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making across various domains ranging from predictive analytics for policy planning to chatbots for citizen engagement, to resource allocation optimization and improved service delivery in various sectors. AI is reshaping governance in profound ways, enabling more responsive and citizen-centric administrations, while also addressing key challenges in digital transformation

The 15th Quarterly eConference of Africa ICT Alliance - AfICTA which also serves as a follow-up edition to the 14th edition would examine “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Transformation: North African Context" whereby the discussion would be geared toward the following objectives; 1. To explore the role of AI and emerging technology in transforming governance structures and processes. 2. To examine how these technologies can enhance transparency and accountability in government operations. 3. To discuss the potential of AI and emerging technology to drive digital transformation in transportation systems. 4. To highlight best practices and case studies showcasing successful implementations of AI and emerging technology in governance and digital transformation. 5. To identify challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of AI and emerging technology in governance and digital transformation. 6. To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders to harness the full potential of AI and emerging technology in advancing governance, transparency, accountability, and digital transformation. 7. To Examine the current state of AI in North Africa, highlighting success stories and challenges.

The 15th AfICTA eConference promises to be a dynamic platform for exploring the transformative potential of AI and emerging technology in governance, transparency, accountability, and digital transformation. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and practitioners, we aim to stimulate dialogue, share insights, and identify actionable strategies to harness the power of AI and emerging technology to benefit society.

Register Now. Get set to join the discussion and shape the future of Governance and Digital Transformation in Africa.

AfICTA - Africa ICT Alliance is delighted to announce our partnership with GITEX AFRICA 2024, the continent’s largest tech and startup event. The partnership is reached to further deepen our engagement with all relevant stakeholders on the continent toward the fulfillment of our vision ...to fulfill the promise of the digital age for everyone in Africa.

The event will take place from 29 to 31 May in Marrakech, Morocco. We’d love to see you there! Register now for your complimentary 3-Day FREE Visitor Pass via the register button. Join us to discover groundbreaking tech, disruptive startups, and live sessions with industry experts.

GITEX AFRICA 2024 is unveiling new sectors aimed at propelling the advancement of various technological innovations throughout the continent: Digital Health, and Sustainability and Agritech.

AfICTA Nigeria National Coordinator, Mr. Inye Kemabonta was accompanied by other members of AfICTA residing in Abuja on Tuesday 27th February 2024 to pay a courtesy visit to the National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission - NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji purposely to discuss ways to foster collaboration towards the realization of the commission's national objectives and AfICTA's vision.

The delegation seized the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Vincent Olatunji for his recent deserving appointment as the National Commissioner of the Commission, hence gave an assurance of their readiness to support his wonderful initiatives which are found to be in tandem with AfICTA's objectives towards fulfilling the promise of the digital age for everyone in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Mr. Inye Kemabonta in his introductory message shared with the commissioner a few of AfICTA's milestones of achievement since its formation in 2012 and also enlisted some of AfICTA's initiatives such as Quarterly eConferences and Annual Summit as platforms available to the commission to further build capacity and create awareness of its action plans and mandates.

Sharing his experience as a business owner who was in the public sector. Mr. Inye Kemabonta said, "It recently became clearer to him how businesses are directly impacted by government policies and as an advocacy group, AfICTA owes it to the business ecosystem to closely engage government in terms of policy formulation that further encourages the ecosystem to thrive". He believed such an effort would help drive socio-economic development and fast-track the realization of the national digital agenda.

While responding, Dr Vincent Olatunji congratulated AfICTA for its achievements and impact made in Africa's digital landscape. He welcomed AfICTA's delegates among which were Mr. Inye Kemabonta, AfICTA Nigeria Coordinator & CEO TechLaw Devlopment Service; Mr. Timilehin Ambali, Board Member & COO DotEngee; Omolosho Segun, Programme Officer; Oyeyemi Kayode, Snr. Programme Officer; Mr. Segun Olugbile, AfICTA Past Board Member. He described Mr. Segun Olugbile as one of the individuals from the business community whose contributions brought about the establishment of the commission.

He said the data privacy ecosystem in Nigeria is barely scratched, however, it creates a lot of opportunities for the business community to explore. He therefore reiterated his solid support to handshake AfICTA on its initiatives and looks forward to proposals from the alliance that will aid the commission in its efforts to ensure data privacy compliance, develop capacity, and create awareness among the populace.

He finally mentioned just a few of the interventions of the commission which include webinars to create awareness among the data subjects of their fundamental right to usage, transfer, and portability of their data; direct engagement with the MDAs; and certification of Data Protection Officers - DPOs. As part of its objectives, the commission would continue to work with the business ecosystem as the government needs all other stakeholder groups to deliver their mandates.

The National Coordinator highlighted that the courtesy visit is an act of felicitation with Dr. Vincent Olatunji for his appointment as the National Commissioner and aims to initiate a formal relationship with the commission. Additionally, it was emphasized by the commissioner that the door for partnership and collaboration is open, prompting the suggestion for AfICTA to draft a strategic partnership document aligned with the commission's objectives.

In conclusion, Mr. Segun Olugbile invited NDPC to take ownership of the AfICTA Annual Summit, a platform to showcase their efforts. A copy of AfICTA's presentation was handed over to the National Commissioner. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes and concluded with group photographs.

With a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in the ICT practice, Mr. Chris Uwaje, the Chairman of Mobile Software Solutions Limited and former President of both the IT Association of Nigeria - ITAN, and the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria - ISPON, delivered a noteworthy speech at the Africa ICT Champions Fellowship maiden edition held on Tuesday, 14 November 2023.

In attendance at the fellowship are the past Africa ICT Champions, and members of the AfICTA Advisory Council - AAC and AfICTA Board.