Broadcasting
How AI is transforming Agriculture and Healthcare in Africa
By TšabiMolapo, Tonya Nyakeya, Sibongile Gumede, Sibusisiwe Makhanya
Artificial intelligence has transformed the world – there is no doubt about that.
As AI continues to mature, nations around the globe – especially in Africa – should rely on it more than ever to drive large-scale transformation and competitiveness.From agriculture and remote health services to translating languages, AI can play an important role in helping Africa tackle economic problems.
As the adoption of AI driven by the continuing repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis, general business needs, and the technology being more accessible across the continent – building strategic private-public collaboration among government, key stakeholders, startups and developers to accelerate the adoption of AI has become increasingly important for the development of the continent.
Creating an AI ecosystem and forging local and global relationships is vital. With foresight and planning, the technological revolution that AI brings will be a force to empower a fair and prosperous society. Clearly, the continent has much to give and to get from AI.
But first, we need more local AI talent and skills.
That’s where IBM can help. Our two research labs in Kenya and South Africa have been on the continent for decades. And we always strive to advance AI expertise even further – with events like the upcoming free virtual online AI seminar series on August 18 and 25.
The series will cover emerging AI topics including Neurosymbolic AI, Trustworthy AI and Learning and Reasoning for Language Understanding. Leading AI researchers from four IBM Research labs in New York, Haifa, Johannesburg and Nairobi will present their work.
While there has been great progress made over the past year, since the beginning of the past decade, the African machinelearning community has been steadily growing.
In 2013, a local group of industry practitioners and researchers began Data Science Africa, an annual workshop for sharing resources and ideas.Innovative forms of transcontinental collaborations such as Deep Learning Indaba (a Zulu word for gathering), formed in 2017, now has chapters in 27 of the continent’s 54 countries. And then there’s Zindi, a platform founded in 2018 that challenges African data scientists to solve Africa’s toughest challenges.
Academic courses and other educational programs dedicated to teaching machine learning have sprouted in response to increasing demand. And many globally trained African experts in AIare now returning home.
As for IBM Research, in late 2012 we opened our first African office in Nairobi. Then we added another one in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015. It’s part of a 10-year governmental agreement with the South African Department of Trade and Industry, aiming to stepup investment in the country’s information and communications technology infrastructure and boost training.
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
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