Artificial Intelligence. Photo: Jobaaj Learnings
Poor data quality and weak governance frameworks could undermine Africa’s growing artificial intelligence ambitions unless governments and institutions prioritise building stronger data foundations before deploying the technology, a technology expert has warned.
The caution comes as several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, roll out national AI strategies and accelerate investments in artificial intelligence to drive innovation, improve public services, and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Nigeria officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in April 2025 in Lagos. Since then, the government has moved into implementation with several key developments.
According to the Founder of UK- and Nigeria-based data consultancy Metaheuristic Limited, Toye Apampa, many organisations are treating AI as a technology challenge when the real obstacle lies in the quality and management of the data that powers these systems.
