Experts Call For AI Adoption To Boost Agriculture And Energy Resilience In Africa
EXPERTS at the second Africa Climate Summit have called for greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen Africa’s agriculture and energy systems in the face of climate change.
According to ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, panellists highlighted AI’s potential to improve climate forecasting, enhance resource management, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy. However, they cautioned that success would depend on access to reliable data, advanced computing infrastructure, and strong governance frameworks.
Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General of the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD), said AI could be a game-changer in climate prediction, while Emmanuel Manasseh, Africa Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), pointed to its role in optimising energy use and supporting the development of “smart cities” amid rapid urbanisation.
Participants urged policymakers to prioritise AI-powered agricultural initiatives, such as virtual advisory platforms to support farmers with real-time information. They also called for stronger regional cooperation, with African countries pooling data and sharing best practices, while drawing lessons from successful global models.
The experts agreed that AI, if strategically deployed, could play a critical role in helping Africa build resilience against climate impacts while advancing sustainable development.
