Africa’s push to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) risks falling short if governments continue to focus solely on technology acquisition, a leading AI expert has warned. Adeoye Abodunrin, an Africa-focused AI transformation coach, emphasised at a Lagos media briefing that human and behavioural factors are critical for ensuring adoption, trust, and productivity across the continent.
Abodunrin noted that while many African nations are investing heavily in AI infrastructure and tools, they are overlooking how people interact with these systems in everyday life. “Many AI policies look impressive on paper because they focus on technology. But if they do not account for how people think, decide, trust, and adapt, they will fail at the level that matters most, which is people,” he said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s rapid AI adoption, Abodunrin pointed to data showing that 93% of Nigerians use AI tools to learn complex topics, while 88% have engaged with AI chatbots. In the workplace, 91% leverage AI to assist with jobs, and nearly 80% explore new business ideas or career opportunities through AI—figures far above global averages. These statistics underline the need for AI strategies that integrate behavioural realities rather than just infrastructure.
Despite strong uptake, Abodunrin warned that high usage does not remove the need for better policy design. Without integrating behavioural economics into AI governance, initiatives in sectors like healthcare, education, digital identity, taxation, and financial inclusion could fail to deliver inclusive growth. Behaviour-led AI governance, he argued, is key to building trust, encouraging equitable outcomes, and ensuring AI serves communities effectively.
Africa, he stressed, is rich in ideas and talent, but aligning technology with behaviour, culture, and incentives is where the gap lies. Treating behavioural insight as a core policy pillar, rather than an afterthought, will allow the continent to transform AI from a “shiny tool” into a sustainable engine for development—ensuring that AI adoption translates into real benefits for everyday citizens.
source: nairametrics