Folajimi Daodu, the CEO of Vault Hill and a prominent voice on Africa's technology landscape, has issued a call to action, urging governments, private sector leaders, and individuals across the continent to embrace artificial intelligence as a catalyst for profound economic transformation.
In a recent exclusive interview, ahead of his upcoming presentation at the Brand Journalists’ Conference in Lagos, Daodu, who was recently appointed Chief Strategy Officer and Board Member of the Nigeria in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, dissected the dual nature of AI.
He acknowledged its potential for disruption but emphasised that its opportunities far outweigh the challenges.
“Like every major innovation, AI has both positive and negative sides.
“Governments, employers, and innovators need to open their minds to the opportunities while also preparing for what could go wrong.
“AI is here to stay, and we must figure out how to work with it as a co-collaborator,” Daodu stated.
Addressing the widespread concern that AI could lead to job displacement, Daodu drew historical parallels to previous industrial revolutions.
He likened the current moment to when automation transformed the automotive industry, forcing manual labourers to acquire new skills.
He explained that while some jobs will inevitably become obsolete, this evolution underscores the critical need for advocacy and education.
“Yes, some jobs will be obsolete, but this is where advocacy and education matter.
“Workers need to reskill to stay relevant. For example, if AI allows you to complete in minutes what used to take days, the challenge is how to use those extra hours productively within your organisation,” he said.
Daodu believes the responsibility for upskilling is a shared one, involving a collaborative effort between the government, employers, and individuals.
He stressed the role of individuals in taking charge of their own development, highlighting the democratised nature of learning in the digital age.
"The internet has democratised learning; you can acquire new skills in days or months.
“It takes discipline, but the change has to start with us,” he noted.
Beyond the skills gap, Daodu also pointed out the ethical dimensions of AI adoption, particularly the need for transparency and attribution when using AI-generated content.
He urged businesses to take intellectual property and legal frameworks seriously to build a foundation of trust.
While acknowledging that the cost of AI adoption can be a barrier for small businesses, he maintained that the long-term benefits far exceed the initial investment.
The CEO identified the manufacturing and logistics sectors as those most likely to face significant disruption, and called on employers to proactively upskill their workforces to minimise social shocks.
To truly harness AI's potential, Daodu concluded that Africa must approach the technology with the same urgency it did with mobile telephony, an era where the continent famously leapfrogged traditional landline infrastructure.
With countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria already developing AI strategies, he stressed the need for intentional investment, execution capability, and bold leadership.
Daodu, who was the only Nigerian selected by the Dubai Future Foundation in 2024 to work on strategies for Dubai’s next decade, concluded by urging African leaders to empower their teams, experiment with new technologies, and build a foundation for the youth who will lead the future.
#AIinAfrica #TechForGood #Upskilling #EconomicTransformation #FolajimiDaodu
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