Yesterday, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, unveiled plans to create about 50,000 Artificial Intelligence (AI) jobs by 2030. This initiative aligns with the ministry’s new four-year blueprint.

Titled ‘Accelerating Our Collective Prosperity Through Technical Efficiency’, the blueprint references research from PwC, McKinsey Global Institute, and Accenture. Tijani highlighted how AI has the potential to transform both technology and the economy in the coming two decades.

Acknowledging Nigeria as an emerging economy, Tijani emphasized the importance of a comprehensive national AI strategy. This approach ensures Nigeria responsibly and inclusively leverages AI’s potential. He said, “We’re crafting a forward-looking strategy informed by expert insights.”

Tijani envisions Nigeria ascending as a top 10 global destination for AI training and talent. He also strives for the nation to establish itself as a global frontrunner in ensuring inclusivity within AI datasets.

Aiming to elevate Nigeria’s rank from its current 96th position to the top 50 in global AI readiness and adoption by 2030, the strategy focuses on five main pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, and capital (IEC), and trade. Each pillar plays an essential role in the ministry’s objectives and complements the others.

Tijani elaborated, “Sound policies form the foundation on which innovation, fueled by knowledge, thrives. A robust digital economy requires solid infrastructure. Meanwhile, innovation and entrepreneurship drive our economy’s diversification. Our commitment to trade underscores our belief in the borderless nature of innovation.”

According to a report by The Guardian, he continued to underscore the mission’s importance, asserting, “Despite potential roadblocks, we aim to harness technology to bolster Nigeria’s global reputation, generate lasting job opportunities, and improve the living standards for all Nigerians.”

In August, Tijani called for contributions from Nigerian researchers worldwide to shape the National AI Strategy. He used Twitter to make this announcement and urged the community to highlight outstanding researchers in the field.

Referencing a 2018 PwC study, Tijani pointed out the potential of AI, which could contribute an estimated $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This growth stems from a surge in productivity and the introduction of innovative products and services.