Benedict Oramah Advocates for Africa's Own AI Development

Dr. Benedict Oramah, the former President of Afreximbank, has called for Africa to create its own artificial intelligence models rather than just provide data to foreign technology companies. In an interview at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, he highlighted Nigeria's potential to utilize its cheap gas for powering data centers and establishing technology parks to attract investments.

Oramah stressed the importance of massive infrastructure financing, industrialization, and deeper continental trade to stimulate growth and job creation. He mentioned his transition from Afreximbank, where he served for 30 years, as a continuation of his commitment to addressing Africa's challenges, rather than retirement.

Oramah founded Marob, a strategy firm aimed at helping African institutions articulate and execute their strategies effectively. He also praised Alhaji Aliko Dangote's perseverance in building his brand and the refinery, noting the bank's role in supporting credible entrepreneurs like Dangote.