Good People, the future is not just coming; it’s being coded. And in Africa, that code is being written with the potential to reshape our markets, our businesses, and our very lives. Tomorrow is Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 graduation day, and I am going to speak on “Thriving in AI era”.

We often talk about AI as some abstract force. But note that the world, at its core, is made of numbers. Understanding and harnessing these numbers is the key to unlocking the true potential of AI. It’s not about replacing human ingenuity; it’s about augmenting it. Here are a few crucial points:

AI as a Market Fixer: In many African markets, information asymmetry is a significant challenge. AI offers the potential to level the playing field, making markets more efficient and transparent.

Beyond Invention, Into Innovation: Africa is brimming with brilliant ideas. But the real magic happens when we translate those ideas into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges. This is where innovation, the commercialization of ideas, becomes paramount.

Capabilities are King: Having the right tools, the right people, and the right processes is non-negotiable. We need to invest in building these capabilities to truly leverage the power of AI.

AI as an Efficiency Amplifier: AI has the potential to dramatically enhance how we utilize our resources, from optimizing energy consumption to improving agricultural yields.

The Business Model Imperative: AI is not a silver bullet. It must be integrated into a robust business model to deliver sustainable value.

This is not just about technology; it’s about strategy. It’s about how we position ourselves to capture the immense value that AI offers. It’s about creating new opportunities for investment, for job creation, and for inclusive growth across the continent.

Let’s move beyond the hype and focus on the practical applications of AI. Let’s build businesses that solve real problems, that create real value, and that drive Africa forward.

What are your thoughts? How do you see AI transforming Africa’s future? Let’s discuss at Tekedia Mini-MBA graduation day!

Sat, May 3 | 7pm – 8.30pm WAT | It’s Graduation Day – Thriving in AI Era – Ndubuisi Ekekwe | Zoom Link

In the lecture, I will focus be on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on various industries. To fully grasp the depth of this conversation, I will look into the foundational understanding of AI technologies and the historical context leading which underscores the evolution of AI alongside advancements in semiconductors, computers, and other key technologies. This shift from an era of invention to one of innovation has paved the way for AI’s integration into business operations.

Key themes that will be explored include how AI drives innovation and productivity across industries while reshaping job markets and economic landscapes. Understanding market dynamics and information symmetry are crucial for businesses aiming to leverage AI effectively for growth and success. Recent events have highlighted accelerated innovation driven by AI technologies, such as its transformative impact on industries like insurance through AI agents. Moreover, discussions will delve into challenges in establishing foundational platforms for AI innovations as well as efforts to utilize AI in sectors like agriculture and energy.

If elections in Nigeria are FREE and Fair, I will pick a ticket for the Presidency, and run with a slogan “A Greater Nation”.  I will build my campaign on four pillars: Security, People, Economy & Electricity, and Diasporas. This is the SPEED Agenda.

On the People, I will work on health, education and drive the development of human capital. I will update the tax code making donations and partnerships with health institutions and schools to be fully tax deductible. That will enable private funds to support those areas at scale.

On Security, we will support every LGA to have Development & Security Units and build up frameworks for security, in consultations with the government. And the laws of the nation will be implemented: non-licensed private citizens cannot carry arms and anyone with arms will get at least 15 years! Besides whatever the government is doing, each LGA will get funds from the federal purse to support its security. By law, 25% of non-emolument spending of the Nigerian military will be spent on Nigeria companies. My goal is to stimulate new companies as the military spends 25% of its capital budget locally.

On Economy & Electricity, we will peg Naira to bring order in the market for businesses in Nigeria. That clarity will be tapped to bring more investments into Nigeria. And that will come by waiving all taxes on profits for Fund Managers, Private Equity Funds, New Investors, etc which invest at least New $100m within 2 years in critical sectors of seaports, agriculture, transportation, energy and broad industrialization. As this happens, I will shrink Customs’ import revenue by making sure Nigeria prioritizes exports over imports, and that means strategic tariffs. We will enshrine property rights and rule of law to make sure markets work.

On Diasporas, from the first generation to the latest generation, every African living anywhere in the world will know that Nigeria could be a home or a second home. The largest African market remains the diasporas’ market and these men and women have the economic capacities to fund the new Africa. Working with BlackRock, KKR, and global fund managers, I will see how diasporas in different parts of the world can deploy capital to build Nigeria.

Nigeria will experience an unbounded promise where merit, honesty, pragmatism and citizenship will drive a new nation with young people rising to build a GREATER Nation. Yes, A GREATER Nation, for all, as we develop five new Frontier Cities,  like Lagos, on new domains, across all the geopolitical zones.

Can we get INEC to do its job so that some of us can have fun?