巴武米亚：非洲须拥抱AI革命以重塑繁荣

加纳前副总统马哈穆杜·巴武米亚博士呼吁非洲各国领袖、政策制定者及创新先锋，紧抓人工智能与数字技术带来的契机，引领21世纪的繁荣进程。

在伦敦政治经济学院举行的2026年LSE非洲峰会上发表主旨演讲时，他着重指出非洲大陆正处于发展路径的关键转折节点。面对来自学术界、政界及公民社会的多元听众，他将当下时代定义为被技术变革所重塑的决定性阶段。

他强调，人工智能、大数据、云计算及物联网已非抽象概念，而是重塑经济社会格局的核心驱动力。“数字化已不再边缘化，它已成为21世纪生存与繁荣的基石。”他如是阐述。

错失工业革命的教训

巴武米亚博士在回顾非洲历史时指出，在改变其他地区的历次工业革命中，非洲均未充分获益。从第一次工业革命的农业机械化，到电力驱动的大规模生产，再到计算机时代，非洲始终徘徊在全球工业进步的边缘。

他分析认为，由数字互联系统驱动的第四次工业革命，为非洲提供了扭转乾坤的独特机遇。与前几次变革不同，这个时代以技术融合为特征，互联网成为创新与智能系统的基石。

他认为非洲过去的困境并非源于人才匮乏，而是研发投入不足、制度支撑薄弱及政策协调有限。这些历史教训必须指导当前战略：“非洲不缺人才，缺的是培育创新生态的决断力、领导力与投资。”

视AI为战略机遇

演讲的核心论点是：人工智能不应仅被视为技术工具，而应作为塑造非洲未来的战略能力。他警告非洲国家不可仅被动引进外部解决方案。

“若将AI视作进口工具包，我们在知识经济中将永远处于价格接受者地位；但若将其视为国家与大陆级能力，我们就能成为规则、市场和利益的共同缔造者。”

巴武米亚博士将人工智能提升至主权、包容性及经济机遇的高度，认为非洲运用这些技术的能力将决定其在全球新经济格局中的地位。

夯实数字增长基石

这位前副总统强调，技术进步需要强大基础体系的支撑，包括稳定电力、数字基础设施及数据治理框架。

他指出人工智能无法孤立发展，需要支持大规模应用的环境。他特别关注非洲网络覆盖不均的现状——尽管取得进展，但43%的互联网普及率存在巨大国别差异，加纳等国相对领先，其他国家仍显滞后。

“关键不在于谁在线上，而在于谁能实现有意义的连接。”他呼吁制定确保普惠接入的政策，强调网速、资费和可靠性同样重要。

呼吁协同行动

巴武米亚博士敦促非洲各国政府采取主动协调的数字化转型策略，强调须在历史机遇出现时果断行动。他认为核心历史经验是：在推进高阶应用前，必须率先建立制度框架，包括教育投入、技能培养和创新支持体系。

他倡导非洲国家加强协作：“当非洲培育出跨境互联的能力，人工智能就能消弭边界。”区域合作将释放新的经济潜能。

平衡机遇与风险

在展望人工智能潜力的同时，他也警示了发展失衡的风险。若无政策干预，数字技术可能加剧国家间和社会内部的不平等。他强调政府必须确保技术红利广泛共享，这需要侧重普惠性、可及性和技能培养的包容政策。

演讲以非洲在全球数字格局中的角色定位作结。巴武米亚博士主张非洲应通过投资知识经济所需系统，重新定义国际地位。他呼吁非洲领袖不要被动应对全球趋势，而要通过战略规划和长期投资主动塑造趋势。在全球经济演进中，非洲未来的繁荣将取决于其拥抱创新和奠定可持续发展根基的成效。

Bawumia: Africa Must Embrace AI Revolution to Drive Prosperity

Former Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on African leaders, policymakers, and innovators to seize the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and digital technologies to drive prosperity in the 21st century.

Delivering a keynote address at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 at the London School of Economics and Political Science, he emphasized that the continent stands at a decisive moment in its development trajectory.

Addressing a diverse audience of scholars, policymakers, and civil society leaders, he described the current era as a defining period shaped by rapid technological change.

He noted that artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things are no longer abstract concepts but central forces reshaping economies and societies. “Digitalization is no longer at the periphery. It is front and center; it is a necessity for survival and prosperity in the 21st century,” he stated.

Lessons from Missed Industrial Revolutions

Dr. Bawumia reflected on Africa’s historical experience, noting that the continent did not fully benefit from previous industrial revolutions that transformed other regions.

From the mechanization of agriculture in the first industrial revolution to the rise of electricity driven mass production and later the computer age, Africa remained largely on the margins of global industrial progress.

He explained that the fourth industrial revolution, driven by interconnected digital systems, offers a unique opportunity for the continent to change course. Unlike previous transitions, this era is defined by the convergence of technologies, where the internet acts as a foundation for innovation and intelligent systems.

According to him, Africa’s past challenges were not due to a lack of talent but rather insufficient investment in research and development, weak institutional support, and limited policy coordination. He stressed that these lessons must inform current strategies.

“Africa does not lack talent. What we lack is deliberateness, leadership and investment to create the ecosystems where innovations and innovators thrive”.

Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic Opportunity

Central to his address was the argument that artificial intelligence should be viewed not merely as a technological tool but as a strategic capability that can shape Africa’s future. He cautioned against a passive approach where African countries simply import solutions developed elsewhere.

“If we treat AI as a set of imported tools, we will remain price takers in the knowledge economy. But if we treat AI as a national and continental capability, we can become coauthors of the rules, the markets, and the benefits”.

Dr. Bawumia framed artificial intelligence as a broader issue of sovereignty, inclusion, and economic opportunity. He argued that the continent’s ability to harness these technologies will determine its position in the evolving global economy.

Building the Foundations for Digital Growth

The former Vice President stressed that technological progress depends on strong foundational systems, including reliable electricity, digital infrastructure, and data governance frameworks. He noted that artificial intelligence cannot thrive in isolation but requires an enabling environment that supports large scale adoption.

He pointed to disparities in internet connectivity across the continent as a major challenge. While progress has been made, access remains uneven, limiting the ability of many countries to fully participate in the digital economy.

Citing available data, he noted that internet usage in Africa stands at about 43 percent, with significant variations between countries. Ghana, for instance, has achieved relatively high connectivity levels compared to some of its peers, while other nations continue to lag behind.

However, he emphasized that connectivity alone is not enough. The quality of access, including affordability, speed, and reliability, is equally important in determining whether digital tools can drive meaningful transformation.

“The critical question is not only who is online, but who is online meaningfully,” he said, highlighting the need for policies that ensure inclusive access.

A Call for Bold and Coordinated Action

Dr. Bawumia urged African governments to adopt a proactive and coordinated approach to digital transformation. He emphasized the importance of recognizing when global shifts present new opportunities and responding with decisive action.

For him, the key lesson from history is the need to act early and build strong institutional frameworks before focusing on advanced applications. This includes investing in education, skills development, and regulatory systems that can support innovation.

He also called for greater collaboration across African countries, arguing that shared capabilities and cross border integration can enhance the continent’s competitiveness.

“Artificial intelligence can unite borders if Africa builds capability and then connects that capability across borders,” he noted, suggesting that regional cooperation could unlock new economic possibilities.

Balancing Opportunity and Risk

While highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence, Dr. Bawumia also acknowledged the risks associated with uneven development. He warned that without deliberate policy interventions, digital technologies could widen existing inequalities between countries and within societies.

He stressed that governments must ensure that the benefits of technological progress are broadly shared, rather than concentrated in a few sectors or regions. This requires inclusive policies that prioritize access, affordability, and skills development.

The address concluded with a strong message about Africa’s role in the global digital landscape. Dr. Bawumia argued that the continent has an opportunity to redefine its position by investing in the systems and capabilities needed to compete in the knowledge economy.

Rather than reacting to global trends, he urged African leaders to shape them through strategic planning and long term investment.

As the global economy continues to evolve, his message underscored a central theme that Africa’s future prosperity will depend on how effectively it embraces innovation and builds the foundations for sustainable growth.