Nigeria and the U.S Agree to Harness Artificial Intelligence, Facilitate Data Flows, and Empower Digital Upskilling

Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy has partnered with the United States to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhance data flows, and promote digital upskilling. This collaboration was solidified during the visit of Arun Venkataraman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets (representing U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina M. Raimondo) to Nigeria, where he met with Nigerian Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani. The discussions emphasized the necessity of investing in digital workforce capabilities to fully exploit digitalization and AI, aligning with initiatives such as the U.S. Digital Transformation with Africa and Nigeria’s Strategic Plan for the Digital Economy Sector (2023).

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Olatunbosun Tijani have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the digital economy, fostering innovation, and enhancing digital trade and investment between the two nations. They underscored the potential benefits of the digital economy, including economic growth, job creation, and the development of an inclusive, equitable, ethical, and sustainable digital future.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the United States have strengthened their partnership to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while addressing associated risks. Following discussions between U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, Arun Venkataraman and the Nigerian Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani, both parties emphasized the importance of secure and trustworthy AI systems for sustainable development, aligning with a recent United Nations General Assembly resolution.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Minister Tijani highlighted the necessity of trusted and secure information and communications technology (ICT), data privacy, data protection, and cross-border data transfers in the development of critical technologies like AI. They reaffirmed their commitment to establishing interoperable privacy frameworks and facilitating trusted cross-border data flows, in line with domestic laws, privacy, and civil liberties.

Secretary Gina M. Raimondo and Nigerian Minister Olatunbosun Tijani have outlined plans to foster cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria in the following key areas:

1. Data protection and cross-border data transfers:

Both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy emphasized their commitment to promoting innovation, advancing AI, and ensuring an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure Internet. They acknowledged the critical importance of securely aggregating, storing, processing, and transmitting data across borders for the digital economy and innovation. To address this, they plan to promote robust data protections and enforcement while developing interoperable mechanisms to facilitate cross-border data flows, essential for emerging technologies like AI.

They aim to participate in collaborative forums like the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum to establish interoperable data ecosystems that prioritize robust data protection measures, facilitate cross-border data flows, and encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technological innovation.

2. Artificial Intelligence:

In a significant move to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy have announced a commitment to explore and enhance their collaborative efforts on AI governance and adoption. This partnership aims to align their approaches and identify opportunities for cooperation, including potential engagement with key institutions such as the U.S. AI Safety Institute at the National Institute for Standards and Technology and the Nigerian Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). The focus will be on exchanging knowledge and best practices to ensure the development and deployment of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

3. 3. Digital Upskilling:

In response to the challenges posed by advancements in labor-saving technologies, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy have announced a new partnership aimed at boosting digital skills and literacy. This collaboration focuses on inclusive access to digital education, particularly for youth, women, and underrepresented communities.

Aligned with the United States Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA), in partnership with the U.S. Telecommunication Training Institute, plans to offer training, networking, and mentorship opportunities across Africa, including Nigeria. This initiative seeks to support the development of the next generation of women tech leaders and entrepreneurs in the region.

This joint statement issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy clarifies that it was made without prejudice to their rights and obligations under the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO) without creating binding obligations under domestic or international law.

Footnote

1. Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations & Digital Economy, “Nigeria, U.S. Agree to Harness Artificial Intelligence, Facilitate Data Flows and Empower Digital Upskilling; Issue Joint Statement, available at https://fmcide.gov.ng/u-s-nigeria-reach-agreement-to-harness-artificial-intelligence-facilitate-data-flows-and-empower-digital-upskilling-issue-joint-statement/ accessed 28th July 2024.
2. U.S. Department of Commerce, “Joint Statement on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Facilitating Data Flows, and Empowering Digital Upskilling Between the United States Department of Commerce and Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy”, available at https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2024/07/joint-statement-harnessing-artificial-intelligence-facilitating-data accessed 28th July 2024.