ECOWAS Parliamentarians have been urged to take a proactive role in developing a legal framework that supports the creation of indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored to the diverse needs of various sectors across the region.
This call to action came from experts who presented their insights on the impact of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing security, healthcare, and agriculture in West Africa during the ongoing ECOWAS Parliamentary session in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Christian Odo, an ICT expert, emphasized the importance of AI for parliamentary efficiency and oversight while expressing concerns about the censorship of AI resources from Western sources. He highlighted that, despite Africa’s vast potential for AI-driven growth, most AI solutions are produced by foreign entities and often overlook Africa’s unique challenges and contexts.
He noted that with legal backing for indigenous AI, it could be deployed for effective governance by translating real time parliamentary procedures, tracking government spending and tackling misinformation and disinformation.
In another paper presentation on AI deployment in the health sector, Mr. Ukuyoma Theophilus acknowledged that the brain drain in the African Health Sector and healthcare inequalities could be addressed using Artificial Intelligence.
In her submission, the Member representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo emphasized the need for Nigeria to leverage telemedicine platforms to improve coverage of health services in rural areas.
She called for improvement of telecommunication infrastructure which would further enhance access to health care in the country
The Seminar for the Second Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament also featured experts who highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing productivity in Agriculture, counter terrorism and advancing peace and public safety.
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