Latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has ranked Nigeria low in provision of digital infrastructure for the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
The report, which tracks 174 economies based on their digital infrastructure, human capital, labour policies, innovation, integration, and regulation, scored Nigeria 0.34 points in preparation for AI technology.
The report, obtained by The Guardian, scored Nigeria 0.34 points, South Africa 0.35, Benin 0.36, Tunisia, 0.47, Ghana 0.43, Angola 0.26, Zambia 0.37, Algeria 0.37 among other African nations.
Other countries are: Canada got 0.71, United States 0.77, China 0.64, Sweden 0.75, Australia 0.73, Finland 0.76, France 7, and New Zealand 0.75 among others.
Disclosing that wealthier economies tend to be better equipped for AI adoption than low-income countries, the IMF said AI may further worsen the inequality that already exists in the world.
It stated:”Under most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality, a troubling trend that policymakers can work to prevent. To this end, the dashboard is a response to significant interest from our stakeholders in accessing the index.
“It is a resource for policymakers, researchers, and the public to better assess the AI preparedness and, importantly, to identify the actions and design the policies needed to help ensure that the rapid gains of AI can benefit all,” it stated. On the benefits, IMF said AI could complement workers’ skills, enhance productivity and expand opportunities.
“In advanced economies, for example, some 30 percent of jobs could benefit from AI integration. Workers who can harness the technology may see pay gains or greater productivity, while those who can’t, may fall behind. Younger workers may find it easier to exploit opportunities, while older workers could struggle to adapt.
“For policymakers, those in advanced economies should expand social safety nets, invest in training workers, and prioritize AI innovation and integration. Coordinating with one another globally, these countries also should strengthen regulation to protect people from potential risks and abuses and build trust in AI. The policy priority for emerging market and developing economies should be to lay a strong foundation by investing in digital infrastructure and digital training for workers,” it stated.
