Akinwumi Adesina, former president of the African Development Bank, is not mincing words: Africa needs to build its own artificial intelligence technologies if it wants to compete on the global stage.
Speaking at a recent event where he also received a BPI award, Adesina made the case that African nations cannot afford to simply consume technology developed elsewhere. The continent must invest in creating its own AI infrastructure, tools, and solutions rooted in African realities and needs.
The call is a timely one. As governments and institutions worldwide race to stake their claims in the AI economy, Africa risks being left behind as a market rather than a maker. Adesina's message is clear: that gap only closes if the continent takes bold, deliberate action now.
The question is, who is listening?
Originally published by BusinessDay.