Bawumia Calls for Strategic Use of AI to Drive Prosperity

By Maame Efua Kwaduah

Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on African leaders, policymakers and innovators to capitalise on opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and digital technologies to drive the continent’s prosperity in the 21st century.

Speaking at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that Africa is at a critical juncture in its development path.

He described the current period as a defining moment shaped by rapid technological advancement.

He noted that AI, big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things are now central to transforming economies and societies. “Digitalisation is no longer peripheral; it is central to survival and growth in the 21st century,” he said.

Reflecting on Africa’s past, Dr. Bawumia observed that previous industrial revolutions largely bypassed the continent. From mechanised agriculture to electricity-driven mass production and the rise of computers, Africa missed out on opportunities that reshaped other regions.

 The current, fourth industrial revolution, driven by interconnected digital systems, presents a chance to change that trajectory.

He stressed that Africa’s challenge has never been a lack of talent but insufficient investment in research, weak institutions, and limited policy coordination. “Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberate leadership and investment in ecosystems that allow innovators to thrive,” he noted.

Central to his address was the view that AI should be treated not merely as a tool but as a strategic capability that can define Africa’s future. Passive adoption of foreign solutions, he warned, would keep African countries as price-takers in the knowledge economy. “If we treat AI as a national and continental capability, we can co-author the rules, markets, and benefits,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia framed AI as a matter of sovereignty, inclusion and economic opportunity, asserting that Africa’s ability to harness technology will shape its position in the global economy. He added that digital progress depends on strong infrastructure, including reliable electricity, internet connectivity and robust data governance frameworks.

Highlighting disparities across the continent, he noted that internet penetration in Africa is around 43%, with wide variations between countries.

Ghana, he said, enjoys comparatively higher connectivity, but many nations still lag behind. He emphasised that access alone is not enough; quality, affordability, speed and reliability are crucial for digital tools to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Bawumia urged African governments to adopt proactive and coordinated strategies for digital transformation.

He advocated early investment in education, skills and regulatory systems to build innovation-friendly ecosystems.

 He also called for greater collaboration among countries to share capabilities and enhance competitiveness. “Artificial intelligence can unite borders if Africa builds capacity and connects it across nations,” he said.

While acknowledging AI’s potential, he warned that uneven development could worsen inequalities between countries and social groups. Governments must ensure benefits are widely shared through inclusive policies prioritising access, affordability and skill development.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that Africa has a historic opportunity to redefine its role in the global digital economy. Instead of reacting to global trends, he urged leaders to shape them through long-term planning, investment, and strategic execution.

 Africa’s prosperity, he affirmed, depends on how effectively it embraces innovation and builds sustainable foundations for growth.