For Nigerian digital technology strategist, SEO guru and Artificial Intelligence consultant, Adeola Eka aka AI Wonderwoman, seeing millions of young people waiting for opportunity to change their lives, and the world at large, gave birth to her organisation, AI4Africa.
A pan-African initiative, AI4Africa is aimed at equipping individuals, businesses, institutions and communities with practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills and tools.
While AI4Africa is dedicated to expedite the continent’s participation in the global digital economy, the initiative is poised to create sustainable pathways for growth, opportunity and prosperity.
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Speaking at a media parley in Lagos during the week, Eka said Artificial Intelligence is one of the greatest opportunities Africa has been given. According to her, Africans must decide whether to grab the opportunity or let it go to waste.
“Throughout history, every industrial revolution has transformed civilization. The steam engine transformed manufacturing. Electricity transformed industry The Internet transformed communication. Today, Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything. This revolution will not wait for Africa. It is already here. And we must decide whether we will simply consume the future or help create it,” Eka said.
Right now, the mission of AI4Africa is to introduce AI education directly into schools across Nigeria and, ultimately, across the continent. This is coming through its ‘100 Kids in 10,000 Schools’ programme.
“I’m proud to say we have already started. Because the best time to prepare children for the future is before the future arrives. If we wait until university before introducing our children to AI, we are already lagging behind.
“Across Africa, countries such as Kenya are making meaningful investments in digital skills and AI readiness. Nigeria has the talent. Nigeria has the population. Nigeria has the creativity. Nigeria should also help set the pace. Let’s make AI education accessible to every child,” she avered.
Eka, however, allayed the fear of people who think AI will take their jobs. She said rather than contribute to job lose, AI will change the workforce completely.
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“We hear people talking about AI taking jobs. The reality is more nuanced. As AI changes the workforce, millions of existing roles will evolve, while millions of new opportunities are expected to emerge. The message is simple. The future belongs to those who prepare for it. That is why we cannot afford to wait.
“That is why AI4Africa exists. Because we don’t want African children to merely use AI. We want them to build AI. We don’t want African youths to search endlessly for opportunities. We want them to create opportunities. We don’t want African businesses to struggle to compete globally.
We want them to scale with AI.
“We don’t want African women left behind. We want them leading innovation. And to everyone over 40 who believes technology has passed them by, I want you to know it is not too late. This movement belongs to you too,” she stressed.
Organised in partnership with Boboliscious, the continent for 120 days will witness Artificial Intelligence in action as careers are repositioned, businesses are transformed, communities are empowered, and AI-powered solutions are built across major social media platforms.
“We are grateful to Boboliscious for believing that investing in children today is investing in Africa tomorrow. This movement is also leading us toward an ambitious milestone. Our planned attempt at a Guinness World Records title is not about chasing fame. It is about sending a message – a message that Africa is ready,” Eka concluded.
