Nigeria, others urged to address food insecurity

African governments, including Nigeria, have been urged to invest massively in technology like artificial intelligence as a strategic solution to pressing challenges in healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Insecurity, rising food prices, high fuel prices, climate change, and recurring displacement are key drivers of food insecurity.

The continent must move beyond dependence on foreign nations for food and health solutions by embracing AI-driven innovation, an artificial intelligence expert, Pelumi Oladokun, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday.

“Africa must key into the AI revolution to solve its challenges in healthcare, education, and agriculture, among others,” Oladokun said.

He explained that the development of local AI talent and increased investments in digital infrastructure are vital for the continent to remain competitive in the global AI economy.

According to him, while AI is already contributing to economic growth, its full potential in Africa will only be realised through refined strategies, improved governance, and inclusive deployment of technology.

“To maximise AI’s benefits, Africa must ensure that the technologies serve all Africans, particularly those in underserved communities,” he added.

Oladokun also emphasised the importance of designing AI solutions with a clear understanding of Africa’s unique socio-economic and cultural contexts to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact.

He said AI’s relevance extends beyond technological advancements; it represents a massive opportunity for economic growth.

“Africa’s AI ecosystem is diverse, with over 669 AI startups across 54 countries. These startups are already working in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and finance, with areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and deep learning leading.”