Africa’s future in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) doesn’t lie in catching up, it lies in leading.
That was the powerful message delivered by Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as he addressed tech leaders, policymakers, and investors during a panel at GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Speaking on the topic “Harnessing AI for Strategic Leadership”, Inuwa stressed that for Africa to truly unlock the potential of AI, businesses and governments must make AI a core part of their operations and leadership models.
This, he believes, is the key to smarter decisions, better outcomes, and a future where the continent isn’t just participating but pioneering.
“AI is shifting the skills we value today, as well as the processes we use to do our daily work… To drive strategic leadership, you need to be an AI-driven leader,” Inuwa said.
Africa’s Winning Formula: People First, Strategy Always.
While many rush to adopt the newest tools, Inuwa emphasized that strategy must always come before technology.
He encouraged leaders to view AI as a collaborative partner, one that amplifies human potential rather than replaces it.
“Strategy must always come first, and technology second,” he noted.
He outlined four essential principles for using generative AI responsibly and effectively:
. Invite AI to the table – Give AI a role in day-to-day tasks.
. Keep human oversight – Ensure bias and errors are checked.
. Build with guardrails – Protect privacy and promote inclusivity.
. Commit to continuous learning – Today’s AI is the least advanced it will ever be.
Why Inclusion in AI Matters
Inuwa warned against the danger of AI systems built on non-inclusive data, stressing that entire communities risk being left behind if their realities are not digitally represented.
“If data doesn’t see a community, the system won’t see it either,” he cautioned.
This is why NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework is designed to adapt to fast-changing AI developments. It’s built on three key pillars:
. Awareness – Understanding the digital environment
. Intelligence – Making data-driven decisions
. Dynamism – Staying flexible in a fast-evolving space
He also highlighted two approaches to AI regulation:
. Rule-based, where guidelines are set and followed.
. Non-rule-based, where AI use cases are co-created and best practices emerge naturally—a model especially effective for innovation-led sectors.
A Bold Vision for Africa’s AI Future
Looking ahead, Inuwa painted a bold picture of what’s possible if Africa embraces AI with intention.
From solving real-world problems to bridging development gaps across sectors, AI can become the continent’s greatest accelerator.
“We missed the first, second, and third industrial revolutions, but this fourth one, we must lead it and not just follow,” he declared.
