MTN Nigeria Advocates Responsible AI and Local Data at NADPA Conference 2025
At the recent Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference held in Abuja, MTN Nigeria highlighted the urgent need for responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and the integration of local content in AI systems. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and data experts to shape Africa’s future in the age of AI and digital transformation.
Local Content is Key for Accurate, Region-Specific AI — MTN
Speaking during a panel session on “Data Governance for Responsible and Beneficial Use of AI,” Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager for Regulatory Affairs at MTN Nigeria, emphasised that AI must be built on local data to deliver accurate and culturally relevant results. “Data can be transformational by bringing efficiency to businesses, but it also presents risks, ranging from privacy to investment,” Ikeme noted.
He warned against overdependence on foreign datasets, highlighting how this could lead to biased, ineffective AI systems that don’t reflect African realities.
$30 Trillion Opportunity: Google Urges Strategic Data Governance
Adewolu Adene, Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, projected that AI and data governance could unlock $30 trillion in economic value for Africa by 2030.
“All relevant authorities and stakeholders must ensure Africa is positioned to capitalise on this new economy,” Adene stressed.
His comments underscored the economic potential of AI if guided by effective policies, cross-border data strategies, and local infrastructure investment.
Other Industry Leaders Echo the Call for Responsible AI
The panel also featured insights from representatives of Microsoft, Meta, Mastercard, and AstraZeneca, including:
- Nonye Ujam, Government Affairs Lead at Microsoft
- Ololade Shyllon, Director of Privacy Policy for Africa, Middle East & Turkey at Meta
- Oliver Patel, Head of Enterprise AI Governance at AstraZeneca (joined remotely)
- Femi Daniel, Senior Counsel, Privacy and Data Protection at Mastercard
All panelists agreed on the need for robust legal frameworks, trust-driven governance, and inclusive policy development to guide AI adoption across the continent.
Key Themes from NADPA Conference 2025
The NADPA Conference emphasised the following strategic priorities:
- Responsible data use in AI development
- Investment in local data infrastructure to reduce reliance on external datasets
- Legal and policy frameworks that balance innovation with safety
- Cross-border data collaboration to support a unified African digital ecosystem
- Building trust and transparency in all AI systems and services
“Homegrown solutions are key in shaping Africa’s digital destiny,” the conference concluded.
Africa Must Lead Its AI Future with Local Data and Trust-Based Policies
The NADPA 2025 Conference served as a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital success hinges on locally informed, ethically developed AI systems. As highlighted by MTN Nigeria and other industry giants, the focus must now shift to:
- Empowering African stakeholders
- Promoting local data sovereignty
- Creating AI solutions that reflect African cultures, values, and needs
By prioritising trust, safety, and innovation, Africa can not only participate but also lead in the global AI economy.
