Africa Positioned at the Heart of Global AI Economy’s Future – ELIN Group CEO
Nigerian business leader and Chief Executive Officer of ELIN Group, Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, has said Africa will play a central role in shaping the future of the global Artificial Intelligence economy. She noted that the continent’s vast natural resources and industrial potential position it as a key driver of the next phase of global technological development.
Her comments were contained in a statement she personally signed on Thursday following her participation at the UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, held on April 25 at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Centre in Washington, DC. The conference brought together global business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and students to discuss innovation and leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Speaking at the event, Jack-Rich challenged the common perception that artificial intelligence is purely a software-driven industry. She explained that AI is deeply rooted in physical infrastructure and industrial systems, describing it as “a physics story” rather than just a digital one. According to her, the sector depends heavily on power, compute capacity, copper, rare earth minerals, and large-scale industrial services.
She further emphasized that Africa’s role in this ecosystem is often underestimated. While the continent is widely recognized for its mineral wealth, she stressed that the real opportunity lies in building full value chains across mining, logistics, aviation, and energy. This integration, she said, will determine which regions truly benefit from the global AI expansion.
Jack-Rich added that this belief is central to her company’s long-term strategy. She explained that ELIN Group is focused on building operational systems within Africa that directly support the global AI economy, rather than relying on aid-driven development models. She described it as positioning Africa not just as a resource base, but as an active industrial and technological hub.
During the conference, she also participated in a fireside chat titled “Leadership in the Age of Disruption: Identity, Power, & Impact,” alongside global figures from Johnson & Johnson and the World Bank. Discussions focused on leadership, resilience, and the evolving dynamics of emerging markets in an uncertain global economy. Participants described the sessions as insightful, particularly for young professionals preparing to navigate future economic and sustainability challenges.
source: punch