Juliet Ehimuan, founder of Beyond Limits and convener of the DICE platform, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) hold the key to solving Africa’s toughest problems faster and more affordably than ever before.
Speaking at DICE 3.0, a major gathering of Africa’s tech, business, and creative leaders, Ehimuan said:
“Africa’s biggest challenges will not be solved by traditional methods of the past because these emerging technologies like AI and machine learning empower us to solve those challenges faster and more cost effectively.”
AI Applications Already Making an Impact
Ehimuan cited practical examples of how AI is already helping across the continent. From predicting droughts and monitoring climate patterns to detecting crop diseases, AI is being used to tackle major agricultural and environmental challenges.
She emphasized that Africa must lean into these emerging technologies to transform the continent’s future, especially as AI becomes more embedded in everyday life — from apps to smartphones and productivity tools.
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Global Shift: AI Is Reshaping Work and Productivity
Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, the world has seen an AI revolution. Today, AI is integrated into countless tools and devices, improving how people work, communicate, and live.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that the world is at the brink of a technological revolution that could jumpstart global productivity.
Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.AI and co-founder of Coursera, echoed the same sentiment:
“Already today, every knowledge worker can get a meaningful productivity boost by using generative AI.”
Nigerians Are Embracing AI
According to Google, interest in AI is growing fast in Nigeria. In 2024 alone:
- Searches for “What is AI?” increased by 30%
- Searches for “How to use AI” surged by 40%
This reflects a broader trend of AI adoption among individuals and businesses, seeking to enhance productivity and innovation.
Ehimuan noted that while businesses are beginning to leverage AI, much more can still be done across sectors like agriculture, health, education, and finance.
About DICE: Driving Collaboration Across Africa
DICE, short for Digital Innovation and Creative Excellence, is a platform powered by Beyond Limits. It’s designed to foster networking, knowledge-sharing, and cross-sector collaboration across Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
The third edition of DICE focused on helping African entrepreneurs and creatives scale their solutions across the continent, offering insights, strategies, and vital connections for growth.
Beyond AI: Vocational Training and Talent Highlighted
While AI took center stage, speakers at DICE 3.0 also stressed the importance of vocational skills and education.
Frank Eggmann, Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos, highlighted Switzerland’s partnership with local businesses to train youth:
“Education is a very important pillar. Focus on vocational skills and apprenticeships. Swiss companies like Nestle train about 100 young people every year here.”
Mark Smithson, Nigeria Country Director for the UK Department for Business and Trade, praised the country’s youth potential:
“There is a lot of potential here to thrive because the talent is without doubt here in Nigeria.”
The Future: Africa Must Harness Tech and Talent Together
DICE 3.0 made one thing clear: Africa’s future depends on how well it harnesses technology and develops its people.
AI, machine learning, and digital skills can unlock the continent’s next wave of growth — but only if embraced with intentional strategies, collaborations, and continuous investment in people.
As Juliet Ehimuan rightly puts it: “We must go beyond limits.”
