Anna Ekeledo, ecosystem builder and technology innovation leader, has called for stronger policy frameworks, increased funding and accelerated talent development to drive Africa’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem from pilot projects to globally competitive solutions.
Ekeledo spoke earlier this week at the Innovation & Technology Summit (InnTech Summit) held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, which focused on the theme “AI, Digital Economy, and Sustainability: Shaping Africa’s Future.” Drawing on her decade-long experience leading AfriLabs and working with innovators, policymakers and government agencies across the continent, she said Africa’s AI ambition must move beyond donor-funded experiments to scalable, investment-ready ventures.
She outlined three key pillars needed to advance the continent’s AI future.
On policy reform, Ekeledo stressed the importance of enabling regulations, effective data governance, inclusive digital infrastructure and alignment across African countries. She highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Protocol as a critical instrument, alongside the need for continent-wide AI and cybersecurity policies to support sustainable innovation.
On resource mobilisation, she called for more strategic deployment of both domestic and international public funds to attract private sector investment. She cited Catalytic Africa as an example of how blended finance models can help early-stage innovators transform ideas into commercially viable solutions.
Addressing education and talent development, Ekeledo described Africa’s people as its greatest strength. She urged governments and institutions to invest in AI education from foundational levels through to university training, while strengthening innovation hubs that help young entrepreneurs scale their ideas into businesses. She also referenced a recent pan-African AI Hackathon, organised in partnership with Meta and the Gates Foundation, as evidence of the continent’s untapped potential when young people are given the right tools and opportunities.
Ekeledo further emphasised the need to retain African talent by expanding access to funding, improving mobility for founders, and accelerating implementation of the AfCFTA to unlock larger markets for innovators.
The session featured a panel of experts including Niyi Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of Verraki Partners and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Tolulope Pius-Fadipe of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission; Kunle Kakanfo, Founder of Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact and Development; and Motunrayo Opayinka, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Womenovate. The discussion was moderated by Osasuyi Dirisu.
Ekeledo expressed gratitude to Taopheek A. Babayeju, Chief Executive Officer of iCentra, for the invitation and said she welcomed opportunities to contribute to discussions shaping the future of AI across Africa.
