By Jimeh Saleh
Innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, ranging from those aiding in medical diagnostics to digital solutions that assist farmers in optimizing their productivity, were prominently featured at the recent Global AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Among the attendees was Jimeh Saleh, representing the Amana Inclusive Technology Initiative. His experience raises questions about Nigeria's preparedness for the AI era and the valuable lessons that can be taken from India's robust AI sector.
During the week-long summit, the global tech community gathered in New Delhi, with leading information technology companies unveiling their latest innovations. Artificial intelligence was a common thread throughout the event. However, beyond the sophisticated demonstrations from major firms like Meta, Google, and Cisco, the flourishing indigenous Indian AI ecosystem—bolstered by a healthy competitive spirit among different states and ministries—was particularly noteworthy.
For example, the Department of Rural Development has tackled a problem that numerous countries, including Nigeria, have struggled with. Its AI-enhanced cash transfer system, part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), utilizes facial recognition for beneficiary verification, unified digital payments, and real-time oversight to ensure accountability. Officials indicated that over $700 million had been successfully allocated to vulnerable populations, such as widows and individuals with disabilities.
Another shining example is the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, which developed an AI-supported chatbot named Bharati. This service assists farmers by providing information on loans and other agricultural advice in local dialects. Notably, Bharati can be accessed using basic mobile phones, allowing farmers to simply call a number and receive immediate guidance.
Nigeria and India share environmental conditions, linguistic plurality, and socio-economic disparities, along with similarities in their education systems that stem from a shared colonial past. However, India’s progress in AI is anchored in its principles known as the Seven Chakras, derived from ancient philosophy which aligns with the body’s energy centers. These Chakras guide the governance of AI in India by prioritizing safety, trust, inclusivity, economic advancement, and innovation centered around human needs.
Additionally, I encountered developers with limited English proficiency who were instrumental in creating some of the most remarkable innovations showcased at the summit. This speaks to the importance of linguistic inclusion, which Nigeria must address seriously. With millions of technologically adept youth outside the official education system, translating educational materials into major local languages could unlock vast potential. The rigid demands for academic excellence or mastery of English continue to exclude talented individuals who could otherwise contribute significantly to local solutions.
The possibility of genuine AI inclusion is hindered by linguistic barriers.
Further, India's achievements are also built upon strong foundations in science and mathematics, subjects often taught in local languages like Hindi or Tamil. I observed students preparing for examinations akin to Nigeria's WAEC or NECO—expressing enthusiasm for math and physics and confidence in exam integrity. In stark contrast, Nigeria’s compromised educational standards have diminished trust, leading parents to feel less apprehensive about academic failures, aware of alternative ways to navigate the system.
A key factor behind India's advancement in AI is a well-established public AI infrastructure featuring over 50,000 Nvidia Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) made available to individual developers rather than solely to large corporations or profit-driven tech start-ups.
Aligning with one of its Seven Chakras, India has significantly reduced access barriers by lowering the cost of using GPUs to approximately 65 Rupees ($0.7) per hour through its national AI portal. Furthermore, the launch of AI Kosha provided access to over 300 ready-to-use datasets across various sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and logistics—an incredible resource for local coders who can now utilize localized data for free. AI servers are also being placed in public areas to assure rapid responses even with suboptimal internet speeds.
Such advancements are supported by reliable safety measures and consistent electricity—areas where Nigeria continues to face challenges. During my stay in Old Delhi, despite observable poverty, incidents of muggings or theft were absent, and power remained steady throughout my visit.
Even within the context of sub-Saharan Africa, unreliability in power supply is becoming less prevalent.
Countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia are leveraging technology as a cornerstone for national development, successfully incorporating AI into agriculture, healthcare, and education. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has even unveiled plans for a dedicated AI university, a notable initiative aimed at advancing the country’s capabilities in this field.
For Nigeria to construct a meaningful AI ecosystem, it is essential to establish dependable national datasets, promote linguistic inclusion, and initiate a dedicated AI literacy campaign. Basic AI literacy should be deemed necessary for senior government officials, who must grasp AI’s transformative potential for governance, efficiency improvements, and enhanced accountability.
The contradiction of using proficient AI solutions for banking security while deeming them inadequate for electoral processes needs to be addressed.
While visiting a ministry's exhibition stand, I discussed the potential for adapting one of their open-source tools for Nigerian use. An Indian official shared that high-ranking representatives from a specific Nigerian ministry had visited them the previous year and were impressed with the tool. They had offered the product and promised technical support for its deployment to the Nigerian delegation, who eagerly expressed intent to follow up, but no further contact was made.
Despite its challenges, Nigeria remains attractive to global investors. At the Nigeria AI Collective stand, I encountered a genuine enthusiasm from international stakeholders. However, for substantial progress to be achieved, alignment is critical: state and local governments must engage in the federal government’s AI vision as led by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani. Advancing AI to a council-level portfolio could drive investment, data localization, and national collaboration.
Nonetheless, these aspirations will prove challenging to fulfill without a solid legal framework and consistent budget executions. Given Nigeria's position as a significant market for major tech firms, I propose imposing a 2% annual tax on the profits of leading technology companies operating in the country to sustainably fund AI education and workforce development on a large scale.
Nigeria currently stands at a crucial junction, possessing the talent, market potential, and ambition to emerge as a continental leader in AI. Still, it must establish robust foundations, reliable data sources, inclusive educational systems, strong infrastructure, and a governance model that emphasizes trust and accountability. The Seven Chakras of India illustrate that meaningful progress can occur when innovation is guided by dedication and clear core values.
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