The Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Interswitch, Mr Franklin Ali, has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make work easier by boosting operational efficiency and driving economic growth.
Mr Ali, at the 2025 InnovateAI Conference Lagos held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, submitted that, “The AI economy is a gateway to the knowledge economy, and it is imperative that we embrace this shift.”
“While AI adoption in leading economies like America and China remains below 50 per cent, these nations are at the forefront of AI advancements.
“To compete globally, Nigeria must prioritise reskilling and upskilling its workforce, fostering a mindset shift, and equipping professionals with core and enabling skills such as data literacy, JavaScript, and other technical competencies,” he further stated during a panel session titled AI and The Future of Work in Nigeria.
The Human Resources expert while emphasising the importance of targeted learning and problem-solving at the event themed Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth, informed the participants that, “AI is not just a buzzword; it is a tool for solving real-world problems.”
“For instance, traffic congestion in Lagos is a challenge that can be addressed through AI-driven solutions.
“However, adept use of AI technology requires a deep understanding of core tech skills in areas like natural language processing, robotics, and machine learning.
“We must learn AI not for the sake of it but to solve specific problems that impact our society and economy,” he noted.
This year’s conference had Interswitch Group as a Platinum Sponsor for the second consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to advancing AI-driven innovation across Africa.
By collaborating with key stakeholders and fostering industry-wide conversations, Interswitch aims to drive AI-powered innovation that will propel Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
As a pioneer in Africa’s fintech space, Interswitch remains dedicated to championing initiatives that harness technology’s transformative potential to unlock new opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and elevate user experiences.