The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has encouraged leaders throughout the continent to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their businesses, organizations, and operations. This integration aims to uncover new possibilities, reshape leadership approaches, and facilitate more intelligent decisions, ultimately anchoring Africa firmly within an era driven by AI-powered innovations.

Inuwa made this statement when he discussed "Leveraging AI for Strategic Leadership" during a panel discussion at the main State of the GITEX Africa 2025 event, which took place in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The primary objective of the panel discussion was to investigate how data-driven and intelligence-led approaches can reshape business models, enhance resource allocation, and uncover fresh possibilities via AI-enhanced procedures in different countries.

Addressing a worldwide gathering of policy makers, technology experts, and financiers, the Director-General portrayed Africa, notably Nigeria, as emerging on the global stage within artificial intelligence. He advocated for a human-centric and strategically guided methodology toward developing and overseeing AI technologies.

The DG contended that for effectiveness in today’s rapidly changing landscape, leaders should transform into AI-powered leaders and utilize technology not merely as an instrument, but as a collaborator in making decisions.

"Artificial Intelligence is changing the skills we prioritize now, along with the methods we employ for our routine tasks. Therefore, to excel in strategic leadership, one must become an AI-driven leader and discover ways to utilize AI as a tool for fostering co-intelligence. This involves enabling collaboration between individuals and machines to effectively implement your strategic vision," he emphasized.

Inuwa emphasized the importance of integrating AI with the distinctive capabilities of team members to achieve tangible business benefits. He stressed that "A strategy-focused approach should precede technological implementation."

He detailed four guidelines for successfully leveraging generative AI: integrating AI into narratives, ensuring human supervision, developing models with safeguards, and embracing an ongoing enhancement approach.

Inuwa clarified that inviting AI to the table involves assigning it roles within organizational duties, keeping human supervision to address biases and errors, establishing safeguards for privacy ethics and inclusiveness, and embracing an attitude of constant enhancement by viewing current AI capabilities as their minimum potential.

Nevertheless, he cautioned about the dangers of implementing AI systems based on data that does not reflect the varied realities of different communities worldwide. Highlighting the importance of representing every culture and citizen digitally, he emphasized that if the data overlooks a group, the system will too.

Presenting NITDA's strategy for governing AI regulation via the Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which hinges on three core pillars: Awareness, Intelligence, and Dynamism.

"In our strategy for governing AI regulation, we employ what we refer to as the Regulatory Intelligence Framework. As regulators, this means understanding the landscape around us, being adaptable since circumstances evolve, and exercising intelligence. It’s crucial that we comprehend the data and derive meaningful insights from it," he explained.

"Next, we have two methods: the first is a rules-driven approach where specific guidelines are established and adherence from individuals is expected. The second method does not rely on strict rules; instead, it encourages the development of case studies. Based on these case studies, boundaries are set, and optimal practices are agreed upon—this latter approach being ideal for managing AI governance," he explained further.

Imagining Africa's AI landscape over the coming five years, Inuwa depicted an inspiring vision wherein the continent will embed artificial intelligence across various sectors to tackle practical issues, thus accelerating progress and bridging developmental disparities.

Inuwa strongly asserted that enhancing human capabilities through AI could enable the continent to achieve unparalleled levels of innovation, efficiency, and inclusive development.

"We missed out on the first, second, and third industrial revolutions, but this fourth revolution, we must take the lead rather than simply follow." he stated.

The panel session also featured insights from technology envoy for the Republic of Kenya, Philip Thigo; CEO of Pesalink, Gituku Kirika; and the leader for Africa at OpenAI, Emmanuel Lubanzadio.