Nigeria's leader emphasized the importance of addressing the digital divide between the Global South and North during the UN General Assembly, highlighting the risks posed by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
He called for the elimination of barriers to the digital economy in Africa, such as high internet costs and intellectual property challenges. The leader also stressed the need for common global standards to regulate cryptocurrency trading, to prevent instability and organized crime.
Nigeria's experience with unregulated technologies has shown that they can facilitate negative activities, including violent extremism and human trafficking. The leader urged for stronger regulations to harness the positive potential of new technologies while mitigating their risks.
This call for action is critical as the world navigates the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ensuring that advancements in AI and digital technology benefit all nations equitably.