Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has called on African leaders to treat artificial intelligence as a strategic tool for sovereignty, inclusion and continental integration, rather than simply another imported technology.
Speaking at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 at the London School of Economics on March 28, Dr. Bawumia said the continent’s future role in the global knowledge economy will depend on whether it builds its own capacity and connects that capability across borders.
“I will focus on a simple idea which is that: artificial intelligence can unite borders if Africa builds capability and then connects that capability across borders.” - Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
He warned that a passive approach to AI would leave African countries at a disadvantage in shaping the future of global technology and commerce.
“If we treat AI as a set of imported tools, we will remain price-takers in the Knowledge Economy.
“But if we treat AI as a national and continental capability stack, we can become coauthors of the rules, the markets, and the benefits.” - Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Foundations before applications
Dr. Bawumia stressed that while AI, automation, cloud computing and data are transforming productivity and global competition, Africa must first get its fundamentals right before chasing advanced applications.
He said technological revolutions have historically rewarded countries that invested early in institutions, infrastructure, skills and regulation.
“Before we debate algorithms, we must be disciplined about the foundations that enable adoption at scale,” he said.
According to him, AI’s growth depends on stable electricity, connectivity and reliable digital systems — areas where Africa still faces major unevenness.
“Across Africa, these fundamentals remain uneven,” he noted, warning that the gap could determine whether AI narrows inequality or deepens it.
Dr. Bawumia noted that Africa must act boldly but methodically, building the infrastructure and governance systems needed to turn AI into a driver of shared prosperity rather than another missed opportunity.
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