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Summary
WTO DG Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called for decentralised electricity in Nigeria. She emphasised AI's transformative potential in driving socio-economic development through robust infrastructure, digital skills, and innovation.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called for a decentralised approach to electricity supply in Nigeria, emphasising that the country cannot afford to lag behind in energy development and supply.
Speaking at the 10th convocation ceremony of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, Dr Okonjo-Iweala delivered a keynote address titled AI and Frontier Technologies: How Can We Harness the Opportunities and Tackle the Challenges to Help Drive Africa’s Development?
She underscored the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in socio-economic development, stressing that reliable electricity and expanded internet access are fundamental for AI adoption and innovation. The former Minister of Finance highlighted AUST’s ongoing feasibility studies on hydro and solar energy as a commendable step toward decentralised, renewable energy solutions.
“Power outages and constant interruptions might prove a more challenging constraint in Nigeria and other African countries to internet access and AI adoption than anything else,” she noted. “I would propose that we take a more decentralised approach to electricity provision in the country in light of the improved affordability of renewable energy.”
Dr Ngozi also emphasised the need for robust AI regulations to safeguard data security, sovereignty, and privacy. She cited Nigeria’s low AI readiness score of 0.34 on the IMF AI Preparedness Index and urged the country to establish strong oversight frameworks tailored to local contexts.
She highlighted AI’s transformative potential, noting its ability to revolutionise industries, create jobs, and contribute an estimated $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
In an X post, Dr Ngozi congratulated the AUST graduates and honorary doctorate recipients, including Alhaji Kashim Imam, SGF HE George Akume, UBA Group Managing Director Mr Oliver Alawuba, and DG of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who also served as the commencement speaker.
She also commended AUST President Prof. Onwualu, Board Chair Barrister Etigwe SAN, board members, and officials of the Nelson Mandela Institution (NMI), including CEO Bona Mbida-Essama and Chair Jean-Louis Sarbib.
Dr Ngozi expressed confidence that Africa can harness AI’s potential through smart planning and investments in infrastructure, digital skills, and innovation.
