Stakeholders in Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem have called for a stronger focus on locally developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, inclusive innovation, and reliable infrastructure as critical foundations for Africa’s digital future.
The call was made at the 2026 Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA), themed ‘Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology,’ which brought together technology leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts.
Experts noted that Africa’s technology future will depend on building solutions rooted in local realities, supported by strong infrastructure, and driven by inclusive participation.
Speaking at the event, Niyi Yusuf, chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), advised businesses and innovators to begin with the problem they are trying to solve before adopting AI, rather than deploying technology simply to compete.
According to him, AI adoption must be driven by clear business needs and supported by relevant data.
