The pandemic undermined the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The prosperity of the Global South, including Nigeria, depends on universal quality education at the foundation level. This article highlights how the pandemic reversed the gains realised since 2015. It describes how technology and partnership could help build back the educational sector to achieve inclusive quality learning.

Educational inequality describes the disparity in education opportunities among socio-economic, regional, and cultural groups. In Nigeria, for example, the school completion rate among children from wealthy households and the southern region is 63% and 34% higher than those from low-income families and the northern part. Such educational inequalities contribute to widening disparity in opportunities. People with low or little education are more likely to work in the informal sector and low-wage employment.

This Blog was first published here by the Southern Voice.

I recently had the privilege of sharing my experiences on advancing data justice in African states, during an expert workshop organised by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) where I represented the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa. The workshop’s theme centred on 6 pillars to guide the conversation around data justice: power, participation, equity, access, knowledge and identity.

At CSEA, we commenced a research and advocacy project back in 2020 to advocate for a stronger data governance landscape in the region, as a means of putting in place necessary frameworks that can build trust in the digital and data economy, particularly in the context of regional trade, to ensure inclusive growth. Consequently, when we think about data justice, it is usually in terms of social justice, such that no one is exploited but rather everyone, not just a few, can benefit equitably from the opportunities that the data economy offers.

For this reason, CSEA has been clamouring for effective data regulation. However, we have observed some emerging trends that could pose a risk to encouraging data justice under two of the guiding pillars – power and participation.

Risk of power imbalance

For effective data governance, there needs to be a balance of power between the different players in the ecosystem, including the data subjects. However, there is a real challenge of effectively balancing data regulatory approach(es) in a manner that does not result in over-regulation of data or state abuse of regulatory powers. The figure below highlights some of these trends observed across the region:

Source: CSEA (2022) - Curtailing State Extremism In Data Governance

The above can have counter-productive implications including; human rights violation on freedom of speech and association, heightened distrust, deprivation as a result of loss of livelihoods, a potential barrier to market entry for small firms, and increased uncertainty and costs for foreign investors making it unattractive to do business in such markets. Some countries have data localisation provisions that restrict data transfers beyond their borders. This can impair regional trade integration and the development of appropriate artificial intelligence systems which require vast amounts of data.

There is also a risk of power imbalance between African nations as it relates to data. CSEA’s Digital Preparedness Index shows that African countries are at varied stages of implementing data governance laws and frameworks. Only a few countries in the region are currently able to benefit from the rapid development of the data economy. Less digitally mature countries in the region are at risk of being left behind, due to the huge investments and resources needed to support an effective data regulatory mechanism. Inequality in human resource capacity affects countries’ ability to establish good data governance rules. Policymakers oftentimes, do not fully understand technological development to be able to adopt rules that steer rather than prevent innovation.

Inadequate public participation in data governance

Public participation in data governance is key to re-balancing power structures. For policymakers to effectively protect citizens’ data rights, extensive collaboration with, and input from the persons being protected is required. This goes beyond simple consultations on draft data policies or legislation. It entails the active involvement of the public in the policy vision, development and implementation of data governance frameworks. In reality, how can the public take an active role in data policy processes and decision-making when they are not fully aware of their rights and responsibilities and lack adequate knowledge on issues related to data governance? There is definitely scope for countries to commit to empowering citizens to engage in deciding how their data is governed.

As organisations like CIPESA and CSEA continue to advocate for increased data justice, some practical issues to ponder on and work towards finding solutions are:

• How can African countries achieve a balanced and robust data regulatory landscape?
• What actions are required to ensure less digitally mature countries in the region are not exploited or excluded from the data revolution?
• How can the public be empowered to take an active role in how their data is governed and in pressurising governments to implement more effective data regulations?

Persistently high levels of unemployment have emerged to become a key policy challenge in Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2018, the unemployment rate rose from 5 percent to 23 percent. Worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy is simply not generating enough jobs for labor entrants, particularly women and youth. In 2020, the national unemployment rate stood at 33 percent, while 52 percent of women remained unemployed and 42 percent of youth (aged 15-34 years) were without jobs.

Moreover, the contribution of the manufacturing sector to formal sector employment has also been low and stagnant, averaging 11.4 percent between 2011 and 2021. Estimates show that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector accounts for less than 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and as a result, the sector employs only a small proportion of the labor force.

Given that traditional sectors like manufacturing alone can no longer sustain economic development and generate sufficient job opportunities, attention is now shifting toward alternative sectors that can support growth and create jobs, for example: agro-processing, financial and business services, information and communications technology (ICT), tourism, formal trade, and transport. These “industries without smokestacks” (IWOSS)—as they have been termed in a growing body of literature—are often service-based sectors that closely mimic manufacturing in their tradability, proclivity to absorb large numbers of low-skilled employees, and potential for technological change and productivity growth.

In our recent report, published jointly by the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, we find that these industries without smokestacks are indeed already surpassing manufacturing and other traditional sectors in creating jobs and generating economic growth in Nigeria.

Read more

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people and is one of the largest producers of tobacco in Africa. However, Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving food security. With a growing population, there is a need for Nigeria to prioritise food production over tobacco farming. This is because about 40 percent of Nigerians are food insecure, and prioritising food production will help  ensure that there is enough food to meet the needs of the population, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Tobacco is not a staple food item, and its demand is highly contingent on external factors such as global tobacco consumption, market prices and health regulations. In addition, tobacco farming is frequently linked to deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination, which can result in detrimental environmental and public health outcomes. Prioritising food production over tobacco cultivation can have substantial environmental benefits, as the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices can help facilitate soil preservation, enhance biodiversity, and ecosystem services, while concurrently augmenting crop yields and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Transitioning from bitter harvest to more nutritious food for all.

Nigeria has a long history of tobacco farming and is currently one of the leading producers of tobacco in West Africa, with about 4,700 metric tons produced in 2021. However, this practice has negative impacts on food security, especially for smallholder farmers who depend on subsistence agriculture. The share of tobacco in crop production in Nigeria may be modest and can vary from year to year but a shift away from tobacco farming can still contribute to achieving food security in Nigeria.  The competition for fertile land, water, and other resources between tobacco and food crops reduces the land available for food production, worsening food insecurity. Moreover,  tobacco farming frequently involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers that contaminate the soil, water, and food crops. The use of these chemicals also poses a risk to the health of farmers and their families, as well as consumers.

Economic and health benefits of prioritizing food production over tobacco farming.

1. Food Security and Basic Human Needs

Food security lies at the heart of human survival and well-being.  Nigeria’s population is steadily increasing, therefore, providing an adequate and sustainable food supply is critical. By prioritizing food production, we address the fundamental need for sustenance, with the goal of eliminating hunger and malnutrition, which still affects millions of Nigerians.

Redirecting resources from tobacco farming to nutritional crops will contribute to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, thereby securing the basic human right to an adequate diet.

2. Public Health and Well-being

Tobacco consumption has been linked to a myriad of preventable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and respiratory disorders. By shifting our focus towards food production, the health and well-being of individuals and communities is prioritized. A reduction in tobacco cultivation will lead to a decline in smoking prevalence, subsequently lowering the incidence of tobacco-related illnesses. This shift offers an opportunity to promote healthier lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition and fostering a culture of well-being.

3. Economic Advantages and Sustainable Development

The economic benefits of prioritizing food production over tobacco production are significant. Agriculture and food-related industries have the potential to create jobs and stimulate local economies, particularly in rural areas. An increase in agricultural investment can boost productivity, generate income for farmers, and foster rural development. Moreover, this redirection of resources does not necessarily lead to economic losses. Alternatives to tobacco farming, such as diverse crops or sustainable agricultural practices, can be explored to ensure a smooth transition to a more economically viable and sustainable model.

4. Environmental Sustainability and Conservation

Tobacco cultivation places a substantial burden on the environment. It requires extensive land use, contributes to deforestation, degrades soil quality, and consumes vast amounts of water and chemical. By prioritizing food production, we can utilize land more efficiently, thereby reducing deforestation and preserving natural habitats. Sustainable agricultural practices can be adopted, which will help promote soil health and conservation. Furthermore, shifting away from tobacco cultivation reduces the pollution caused by pesticides and chemicals, resulting in cleaner water sources and a healthier ecosystem.

5. Social Equity and Inclusive Development

Prioritizing food production fosters social equity by addressing the basic needs of all individuals. Food is a universal requirement, and access to nutritious food is essential for human development. By focusing on ensuring food security for all, we work towards creating a more equitable society where no one is left behind. This shift aligns with the principles of social justice, promoting inclusivity, and reducing inequalities based on access to vital resources.

Policy implications

The transition from tobacco to food production represents a significant shift with numerous benefits for society. Policymakers play a vital role in facilitating this transition by implementing supportive measures and creating an enabling environment, emphasizing the need for effective policies, incentives, and collaborations to achieve sustainable and successful outcomes.

i. Crafting and Implementing Supportive Policies

Policymakers are responsible for developing and implementing policies that encourage the transition from tobacco to food production. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the local, regional, and national agricultural landscapes, taking into consideration factors such as soil suitability, climate, and market demand. Policymakers can use measures such as subsidies, grants, and tax breaks to incentivize farmers to shift their focus to food crops . To facilitate the process and ensure a smooth transition, clear regulations and guidelines should be set, while also addressing potential challenges and mitigating risks.

ii. Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure and Extension Services

To support the transition, policymakers need to invest in strengthening agricultural infrastructure and extension services. This includes improving irrigation systems, upgrading storage facilities, and providing access to modern farming technologies. Additionally, policymakers can allocate resources for the development of extension services that provide farmers with the necessary knowledge, training, and support to adapt their practices to food production. By enhancing the infrastructure and support systems, policymakers enable farmers to maximize productivity and successfully transition to food cultivation.

iii. Promoting Research and Development

Policymakers play a crucial role in promoting research and development (R&D) efforts focused on sustainable food production. This includes allocating funds for agricultural research institutions and universities to conduct studies on crop diversification, climate-resilient farming techniques, and efficient resource management. Policymakers can also encourage collaboration between researchers, farmers, and industry stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and technologies that improve food production. By fostering R&D, policymakers contribute to the knowledge base necessary for successful transitions and create avenues for continuous improvement in the agricultural sector.

iv. Facilitating Market Access and Value Chain Development

To successfully shift from tobacco to food production, it is crucial to ensure access to markets and build strong value chains. Policymakers can support farmers by facilitating connections with buyers, processors, and retailers, both locally and internationally. This can be achieved by creating platforms for market linkages, supporting the establishment of cooperatives, and promoting fair trade practices. Policymakers can also assist in developing value-added processing industries, enabling farmers to enhance their income by diversifying their agricultural products and accessing higher-value markets.

v.Engaging Stakeholders and Promoting Collaboration

Policymakers play a critical role in fostering collaboration and engagement among various stakeholders involved in the transition process. This includes farmers, agricultural associations, researchers, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities. Policymakers can organize forums, workshops, and consultations to facilitate dialogue and knowledge sharing. By creating a platform for collaboration, policymakers can leverage the expertise and resources of different stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the transition and maximizing its positive impact.

Conclusion

The need for Nigeria to prioritize food production over tobacco cannot overstated. Redirecting resources, efforts, and policies towards nourishing crops and sustainable agriculture will have far-reaching benefits for humanity. It ensures food security, promotes public health and well-being, stimulates economic growth, fosters environmental sustainability, and advances social equity. By crafting and implementing supportive policies, strengthening agricultural infrastructure, promoting research and development, facilitating market access, and fostering collaboration, policymakers can guide Nigeria towards a future where food production takes precedence over tobacco cultivation, fostering a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming businesses and economic activities worldwide through its capacity to mimic or replicate human-like intelligence. With the growing potential of AI, many countries are adopting various strategies to become AI-ready. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) analysis published in 2017, AI is expected to contribute about $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. AI readiness involves the capacity of a country or organisation to use AI technologies to effectively drive economic growth, social development, and overall welfare. However, AI readiness is still challenging in many African countries due to limited AI-supportive facilities and infrastructure. The availability of reliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, and computing power are vital tools for AI development, but many African countries still need to improve in these areas. It is, however, essential to note that a country's readiness for AI is not simply a question of preparing to buy and install new technologies. The transformative nature of AI typically calls for preparation across multiple critical areas. To capture AI's potential to create value, governments and organisations need to retool and rework their existing processes, upskill or hire key talents, refine approaches toward partnership, and develop the necessary data and technical infrastructure to deploy these advanced technologies. There are fundamental AI readiness pillars that need to be put in place by governments and organisations to enhance and create a conducive environment for AI to thrive.

Fundamental Pillars for AI Readiness

According to Oxford Insight (2021), the AI readiness of a nation anchors on three main pillars that capture and show a country's government's readiness to implement AI in public service delivery and support innovation in the private sector. These fundamental pillars include:

1. The Technology Sector Pillar: The technology sector of a country plays a crucial role in implementing AI strategies as the government depends on a good supply of AI tools from its technology sector, which needs to be competitive and dynamic in size. This sector should have high innovation capacity, underpinned by a business environment that supports entrepreneurship and a good flow of Research and Development (R&D) spending. In addition, the skills and education of the people working in this sector are critical as the level and quality of human capital will determine AI productivity level.

2. The Data and Infrastructure Pillar: A country's infrastructure and data capacity goes a long way in determining its AI readiness. AI tools require lots of high-quality available data, which should represent all citizens within a given country (data representativeness) to avoid bias and error. Hence, to achieve this data potential, necessary infrastructure must be in place to power AI tools and deliver them to citizens.

3. The Government Pillar: This is the most important as the other pillars become dormant without a government's interest and desire to use AI for transformative purposes. The government should have a strategic vision for developing and managing AI, supported by appropriate regulation and attention to ethical problems (governance & ethics). Furthermore, it must have a robust internal digital capacity, including the skills and practices that support its adaptability in the face of new technologies.

Figure 1: Pillars and Dimensions of AI Readiness

Global AI Readiness Ranking

In its 'Government AI Readiness Index 2022' report, Oxford Insights ranked 181 countries by how prepared their governments are to use AI in public services. The USA tops the rankings with a score of 85.72, followed by Singapore with an index of 84.12 and the United Kingdom in third with an index of 78.54. These countries scored far above the world's average score of 44.61 out of 100. The global interest in AI comes amid a broader turn to digital government, further accelerated by the COVID-19 mitigation strategy that emphasized more on digital interaction.

However, best practices in AI strategies remain concentrated in countries in the global north, demonstrating a deepening divide in global AI readiness. Countries in the global south, particularly in Africa, need to catch up. The Sub-Saharan Africa region's average score in the ‘2022 AI Readiness Index' was 29.38, the lowest globally, with many African countries at the lower end of the ranking spectrum. Regionally, Mauritius ranked first with an index score of 53.38, followed by South Africa (47.74) in second place and Kenya (40.36) in third place. The three countries within the Sub-Saharan African region with the least AI readiness index are Eritrea, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan, each having an index of 20.17, 19.90, and 19.45, respectively. Many African countries are still lagging as they have insufficient capacity and have not put in place the fundamental pillars necessary to embrace the world of AI.

Figure 2: AI Readiness Index in Sub-Saharan African Region

Challenges of AI Readiness in Africa

There are several challenges facing the adoption and implementation of AI in Africa. These challenges include:

1. Limited Digital Infrastructure: Many African countries lack the digital infrastructure to support AI development. For example, Internet penetration within Africa is low and was estimated at 28% in 2019. This sore state of internet penetration across Africa is due to infrastructure issues associated with the lack of access to electricity and low investment into internet infrastructure such as fibre-optic cables, cell towers, and base stations. The World Bank estimates that about 100 million Africans living in remote regions are inaccessible to mobile cellular networks and would require an investment of at least $100 billion to provide access to this marginalised group of individuals. Hence, digital infrastructural limitations in Africa affect the adoption and implementation of AI development within the continent.
2. Lack of Quality Data: The need for more quality data is significant for AI development in Africa. African data ecosystems are still in the early stages of the African data revolution. Many African countries need more data collection mechanisms and more data governance frameworks, which result in better data quality. A few intricate algorithms are used to construct AI systems, and to train these algorithms, data is used. There is a data shortage in Africa and the majority of data collected does not accurately reflect the continent's experience. This shortage raises the possibility that many algorithms may not be properly tailored to the characteristics of local inhabitants. Since AI can only function with data, a dearth of high-quality data is a drawback. In its absence, creating and implementing AI solutions would undoubtedly be harder.
3. Ethical and Legal Considerations: There are widespread ethical and legal issues relating to AI in Africa. These issues revolve around the regulatory frameworks that impact the creation and application of AI technology required in Africa. Ethical and legal considerations relating to AI centre around safety and transparency, informed consent to use data, algorithmic fairness and biases, and data privacy. Hence, the need for clear regulations and guidelines for AI development in Africa creates uncertainties and limits innovation.
4. High Cost and Skill Shortage: The cost of AI technologies, both hardware and software, is still high in many African countries, making it challenging to leverage AI technologies fully. More so, the shortage of skilled professionals in AI in Africa is because many countries in the region suffer from a shortage of AI specialists. For example, according to Rwanda's Minister of State for Information and Communications Technology, there are only about 10 AI engineers in the country. Research also shows that there needs to be more trained AI specialists in Ethiopia, and this is the case for many other African countries.  In addition, African countries still need more education and training programs to develop the skills and expertise for AI development.

Looking Ahead: The Way Forward for African Countries

To address the challenges affecting AI readiness in Africa, it is crucial for countries within the region to leverage education to narrow the skill gap by adjusting educational curriculums to make them more technically oriented. Integrating AI training models at all levels of the education system would foster capacity building and talent development and encourage AI initiatives across sectors.

Moreover, investments in digital infrastructures like data centres, clouds, etc., would help develop a more AI-friendly digital economy. Additionally, public-private partnerships with tech giants and foreign start-ups accelerate infrastructural development.

Furthermore, supporting local tech companies through collaboration and investments will help empower organisations with the relevant skills and abilities needed to drive business innovations and AI strategies. In addition, lowering barriers to entry for tech companies would ensure that African countries have robust hubs of AI excellence.

It is also essential to emphasise the need for good data governance in improving public service delivery and output tailored to the needs of Africa’s transforming population. Consequently, creating a solid data collection mechanism to aid the acquisition of reliable data, establishing systems to recognise and prevent AI bias, and promoting fairness and transparency would help to change the current dynamics faced by many African countries.