By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria’s
strategy for translating artificial intelligence ambition into practical
national outcomes took centre stage at the 2nd International Digital
Cooperation Forum (IDCF), during a Fireside Chat sponsored by Alcatel and
organised by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
The
session, titled “Empowering Nations with AI: Insights from the AI-REAL
Toolkit,” featured a discussion between Nigeria’s Minister of
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, H.E. Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Mei
Chel Tan, Managing Partner at 500 Global. The dialogue focused on how Nigeria
is advancing its AI agenda by prioritising readiness, talent development, and
local context rather than pursuing technology adoption driven by hype.
Dr.
Tijani outlined Nigeria’s emphasis on building foundational capacities that
enable sustainable AI adoption, including skills development, institutional
preparedness, and alignment with national development priorities. He noted that
effective AI deployment requires an understanding of local realities and the
deliberate strengthening of systems that support long-term innovation.
The
discussion also highlighted the role of the AI-REAL Toolkit, developed by the
DCO with support from Alcatel, as a practical framework to help countries,
particularly across the Global South, assess their AI readiness and move from
aspiration to implementation. Participants noted that the toolkit supports
governments in grounding AI strategies within existing national capabilities
and development goals.
The
session concluded with a shared view that meaningful progress in artificial
intelligence depends on building strong foundations and advancing
collaboratively, rather than attempting to leapfrog critical stages of national
digital development.
