Oluwaseun Dania, Managing Director of Alpha-Geek Technologies, has called for Africa’s full inclusion in global artificial intelligence (AI) governance, stressing that the continent’s 1.4 billion people and its youthful workforce cannot be sidelined in shaping the future of AI.
Dania made the call last week at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting launching the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in New York. Addressing a multi-stakeholder audience, he described Africa as not only an early adopter of mobile-first AI but also a potential co-creator of its future.
“In a world where AI is reshaping destinies, this dialogue must ensure no continent or community is left behind,” Dania said.
He highlighted AI’s potential to help Africa leapfrog infrastructure gaps and build secure digital economies, citing innovations in fintech and stablecoin technologies.
However, he also warned of the risks posed by deepfakes, biased algorithms, and data monopolies, which he said could deepen global inequalities.
Dania commended Nigeria’s recent launch of the National AI Strategy in April 2025 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The strategy, led by Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in collaboration with the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), aims to drive ethical innovation, economic growth, and skills development.
It projects a 27% annual market expansion through 2030 and $15 billion in GDP contributions, while equipping 70% of Nigeria’s youth with AI capabilities.
To ensure equity in AI governance, Dania proposed three priorities: Equitable Access through open-source frameworks and funding for Global South innovators; Ethical Safeguards led by African standards rooted in the communal value of ubuntu; and Resilient Infrastructure to support development-focused AI while protecting against misuse.
He urged global stakeholders to treat the dialogue as a covenant for a just AI future.
“Africa is ready to co-create, not merely comply,” Dania declared.
