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Unlocking Africa’s Trade Potential: Harnessing the Power of AI

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2 years ago

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In recent years, the global community has witnessed significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize various industries. As the African continent endeavours to unleash its full economic potential, AI has emerged as a critical tool for empowering trade and fostering growth. By harnessing the power of AI, Africa can significantly enhance its trade capabilities, foster economic development, and propel itself to the forefront of global commerce.

AI has the potential to revolutionize trade in Africa in various ways, unlocking its economic potential. Here are some examples and data to support this:

  1. Market analysis:

Market analysis is a critical component of trade and commerce, and AI-powered tools have rapidly emerged as a game-changer in this domain. These technologies can sift through vast volumes of data to discern market trends, consumer preferences, and demand patterns, providing valuable insights for businesses. Kenya’s Twiga Foods serves as a compelling example of the transformative impact of AI in market analysis. By leveraging AI algorithms, Twiga Foods can effectively analyze purchasing patterns and forecast market demand, thereby optimizing their supply chain management and minimizing food wastage. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to sustainable business practices.

The expected growth of AI investment in the Middle East and Africa further underscores the significance of AI for market and customer analysis. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), spending on AI systems in the Middle East and Africa region is projected to reach $530 million by 2022. The allocation of substantial investments towards AI initiatives for market and customer analysis signifies the increasing recognition of the potential benefits that AI can bring to businesses operating in these regions. As a result, the integration of AI tools for market analysis is poised to become a widespread practice among enterprises, offering a competitive edge and propelling growth in the trade sector.

  1. Supply chain optimization:

Supply chain optimization is a critical focus area for businesses, and AI has proven to be a powerful tool in achieving this goal. By leveraging AI algorithms, companies can accurately predict demand, mitigate stockouts, and optimize inventory levels, thereby streamlining the entire supply chain process. A concrete example of the transformative impact of AI in supply chain optimization can be seen in the operations of Peermont Hotels in South Africa. Through the implementation of AI-driven technologies, Peermont Hotels has been able to enhance its procurement processes, leading to significant cost savings and marked improvements in supply chain management efficiency.

The potential for AI to revolutionize supply chain operations is underscored by a report from Accenture, which highlights the substantial economic impact that AI could have on the African economy. The report suggests that AI has the potential to contribute up to $215 billion to the region’s economy over the next decade, with supply chain and manufacturing standing out as key sectors that could benefit extensively from AI integration. This forecast reflects the immense potential for AI to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and deliver tangible economic gains across various industries within the African continent. As such, the adoption of AI for supply chain optimization is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business logistics and operations in Africa.

  1. Financial services:

Financial services stand to undergo a significant transformation with the integration of AI-powered solutions, offering a multitude of benefits for both businesses and consumers. One notable area where AI is making a substantial impact is in the realm of credit scoring and risk assessment. By harnessing advanced algorithms and data analytics, AI-powered financial services are revolutionizing the traditional credit evaluation process, ensuring more efficient and accurate assessments. Furthermore, AI is enabling the provision of personalized financial advice, facilitating improved access to finance for businesses and individuals alike.

A compelling illustration of the transformative potential of AI in the financial sector can be witnessed in Nigeria, where Carbon has successfully leveraged AI to offer instant loans to individuals and small businesses based on their digital footprint. This innovative approach not only streamlines the lending process but also promotes financial inclusion by providing swift and convenient access to credit for previously underserved segments of the population.

The profound impact of AI on the African economy is underscored by a report from the Boston Consulting Group, which highlights the substantial contribution that AI could make to the region’s economy. According to the report, AI has the potential to contribute up to $1.2 trillion to the African economy by 2035, with the financial services sector positioned to experience a particularly significant impact. This forecast reflects the immense potential for AI to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and foster growth within the financial services industry, ultimately leading to broader economic benefits for the African continent as a whole. Thus, the integration of AI-powered solutions in the financial sector holds immense promise for revolutionizing the landscape of financial services in Africa.

  1. Trade facilitation:

Trade facilitation, characterized by the seamless movement of goods and services across borders, stands to experience a significant transformation due to the integration of AI technologies. One pivotal aspect where AI can revolutionize trade processes is by automating the often complex and time-consuming documentation, customs procedures, and logistics involved in international trade. Through advanced algorithms and data analysis, AI facilitates the optimization of these processes, effectively reducing delays and improving efficiency.

A noteworthy example of AI’s impact on trade facilitation can be observed in the African Development Bank’s implementation of “Boost Africa,” an AI-powered platform designed to streamline trade finance for businesses. By leveraging AI, this platform has successfully reduced administrative burdens and enhanced trade efficiency, ultimately facilitating increased access to trade finance for businesses across the African continent.

The potential of AI to significantly enhance trade facilitation in Africa is echoed in research conducted by McKinsey, which projects that AI technologies could potentially contribute $300-450 billion to African GDP by 2030. This substantial economic impact underscores the pivotal role of trade facilitation as one of the critical areas for AI-driven transformation and economic growth across the African continent. Consequently, the integration of AI in trade facilitation holds immense promise for fostering greater efficiency, reducing barriers, and driving economic development within the global trade landscape.

To fully leverage the transformative potential of AI in trade, Africa should prioritize strategic investments in AI infrastructure, which encompasses the development and deployment of advanced technological frameworks and systems that can effectively support AI-driven trade facilitation. Additionally, there is a critical need to prioritize building AI expertise by investing in digital skills development programs, training initiatives, and educational curriculums focused on AI technologies. This concerted effort can help cultivate a skilled workforce equipped to harness AI to optimize trade processes, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth and development.

Furthermore, fostering partnerships with international AI companies and organizations can significantly enhance Africa’s access to cutting-edge AI solutions and expertise. Collaborative initiatives, joint ventures, and technology transfer partnerships with established global players in the AI industry can facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building, ultimately augmenting Africa’s AI capabilities and competitiveness in the international trade arena.

In addition to infrastructure development and knowledge empowerment, creating supportive policies that effectively align with the dynamic nature of AI technologies is imperative. These inclusive policies should address regulatory frameworks, data privacy, intellectual property rights, and ethical considerations related to AI in trade, fostering an enabling environment that nurtures innovation, protects stakeholders, and encourages responsible AI adoption. By formulating forward-thinking policies, Africa can proactively shape an environment conducive to AI-driven trade advancements while mitigating potential risks and challenges associated with AI deployment.

In essence, these combined efforts to invest in AI infrastructure, build expertise, foster international partnerships, and develop supportive policies are essential for Africa to harness AI’s potential as a catalyst for economic growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and unlock its full potential as a key player in the global trade landscape. Through a comprehensive approach that addresses infrastructural, human capacity, collaborative, and regulatory dimensions, Africa can position itself to effectively harness AI technologies to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.

In conclusion, the integration of AI in trade has the potential to unlock Africa’s economic potential and pave the way for sustainable growth and prosperity. Through leveraging AI-powered technologies, Africa can streamline processes, enhance market access, and foster innovation in various industries. However, successful integration will require concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to invest in AI infrastructure and skills development, and ensure equitable access. By embracing the transformative power of AI in trade, Africa can position itself as a formidable player in the global economy, driving progress and prosperity across the continent.

♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute.

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When Air Power Becomes a Christmas Performance: The Illusion of Success in Trump’s Nigerian Strike

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2 weeks ago

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December 28, 2025

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“Bombs alone do not defeat ideology. Precision without intelligence is noise.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

When President Trump announced his authorized United States air strike against ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, there was an immediate burst of celebration on Nigerian social media. For a country exhausted by years of kidnappings, massacres, and territorial insecurity, the announcement sounded like long-awaited international support. Memes circulated, praise poured in, and some Nigerians hailed Trump as a decisive global sheriff finally willing to act where others hesitated.

But after the initial euphoria settled, a sobering assessment emerged: the strike appeared less like a strategic military intervention and more like a made-for-television spectacle designed to burnish Trump’s international strongman image.

This was not the first time the United States has launched air strikes in Africa or the Sahel under the banner of counterterrorism. From Libya to Somalia, from Syria to Yemen, U.S. “precision strikes” have often been announced with confidence and celebrated with press briefings—only for the targeted groups to regroup, mutate, and, in some cases, expand their reach. In Nigeria itself, years of foreign-backed security assistance have failed to decisively neutralize Boko Haram or its ISIS-affiliated offshoots. Instead, violence has fragmented, spread, and grown more complex.

No verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm high-value ISIS targets were eliminated

The Nigerian strike followed a familiar pattern. U.S. officials framed it as a blow against ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP), a group aligned with the global ISIS network. Trump’s language suggested a decisive intervention—an act of muscular diplomacy signaling that America still projects power where it chooses. Yet no verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm high-value ISIS targets were eliminated, leadership structures dismantled, or operational capacity degraded.

What followed was a digital smokescreen. Social media accounts, many anonymous and unverified, began circulating gruesome images of dead bodies and destroyed villages—photos long associated with banditry in Nigeria’s northwest. These images were quickly repurposed to “prove” the success of Trump’s strike. However, this is where the narrative falls apart under scrutiny.

Trump’s mission, as publicly stated, was to target ISIS. Not bandits. Not kidnappers. Not rural criminal gangs. ISIS is a transnational terrorist organization with ideological, financial, and operational links across continents. Bandits, by contrast, are primarily armed criminal groups—motivated by ransom, cattle theft, and territorial control, not global jihad. Conflating the two may be politically convenient, but it is analytically dishonest.

Killing or displacing bandits does not equate to dismantling ISIS. In fact, indiscriminate or poorly targeted air strikes often worsen the situation, pushing criminal groups to radicalize, splinter, or align with extremist factions for protection and legitimacy. This pattern has been observed repeatedly in conflict zones where military force substitutes for intelligence-driven strategy.

A truly successful counterterrorism raid is not measured by dramatic announcements or viral images. It is measured by clear, verifiable outcomes, including the confirmed elimination of high-ranking commanders, disruption of recruitment and financing networks, seizure of weapons caches, and—most importantly—sustained reductions in civilian attacks. None of these benchmarks has been credibly demonstrated in the aftermath of Trump’s Nigerian air strike.

Instead, Nigeria wakes up to the same grim reality: villages remain vulnerable, highways unsafe, and communities terrorized. The strike did not change the security equation. It did not empower Nigerian forces. It did not restore civilian confidence. And it certainly did not neutralize ISIS as a strategic threat.

This air strike offered Nigerians symbolism, not security.

In that sense, the air strike was not merely ineffective—it was a failure dressed in the language of strength, executed for optics, and amplified for political gain. It offered Nigerians symbolism, not security.

If the goal is truly to eliminate ISIS and its affiliates in West Africa, the path is neither theatrical nor unilateral. It requires robust intelligence sharing, sustained training, and real-time coordination with Nigerian and regional forces. It demands targeted arms assistance, logistical support, and investments in surveillance capabilities that allow local militaries to act decisively and lawfully. Above all, it requires a long-term commitment to strengthening state capacity—not fleeting air shows announced from afar.

Bombs alone do not defeat ideology. Precision without intelligence is noise. And celebration without results is self-deception. Trump’s Nigerian air strike may have produced headlines, but history will remember it for what it was: a failed mission masquerading as success.

♦ Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Trump’s Nigeria Strike: Bombs, Boasts, and the Illusion of Victory

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December 26, 2025

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“With Obama, Al-Qaeda was not eliminated by noise; it was suffocated by intelligence.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

It has now been confirmed that the United States acted in collaboration with Nigeria in the recent strike on Islamic State elements in northwest Nigeria. That cooperation deserves recognition. Intelligence-sharing between Washington and Abuja is necessary, overdue, and welcome. Terrorism is transnational; defeating it requires allies, not isolation.

But let us be clear: bombs alone do not defeat terror. And Donald Trump’s strike—trumpeted loudly on social media before facts, casualties, or strategy were disclosed—was less a turning point than a performance.

Trump’s announcement was a classic spectacle: “powerful,” “deadly,” “perfect strikes.” No numbers. No clarity. No accountability. Just noise. It was the same choreography America has deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia—places where U.S. airpower landed hard, headlines screamed victory, and instability deepened afterward. Violence escalated. Militancy adapted. Civilians paid the price.

History is unkind to airstrikes sold as solutions.

Nigeria knows this better than anyone. Long before Trump’s tweet, the Nigerian military had already conducted multiple operations in the same terror corridor. At least five major strikes and offensives stand out:

  • First, Operation Hadarin Daji, launched to dismantle bandit and terror camps across Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto, involving sustained air and ground assaults.
  • Second, Operation Tsaftan Daji, which targeted terrorist hideouts in the Kamuku and Sububu forests—precisely the terrain now in the headlines.
  • Third, repeated Nigerian Air Force precision strikes in the Zurmi–Shinkafi axis, neutralizing commanders and destroying logistics hubs.
  • Fourth, joint operations with Nigerien forces, disrupting cross-border supply routes used by ISIS-linked groups.
  • Fifth, recent coordinated offensives involving intelligence-led raids, special forces insertions, and follow-up ground clearing in the northwest.

These were not symbolic gestures. They were Nigerian-led, Nigerian-funded, Nigerian-executed. And yet, there were no fireworks on social media. No flag-waving hysteria. No intoxicated praise of Nigerian commanders as saviors of civilization.

Why? Because there is a dangerous segment of Nigerians who suffer from what can only be called the American Wonder mentality—a colonial hangover that applauds anything louder simply because it comes from Washington. The same Nigerians who ignore their own soldiers dying in silence suddenly abandon Christmas meals to celebrate Trump’s tweets, typing incoherent praise, mangling grammar, and mistaking spectacle for substance.

It is embarrassing. And it is intellectually lazy.

Terrorism is not defeated by volume or virality. It is defeated by intelligence—quiet, patient, unglamorous work. The United States knows this. Barack Obama understood it. Al-Qaeda was not dismantled through social media theatrics or chest-thumping declarations. It was weakened through intelligence fusion, financial disruption, targeted operations, local partnerships, and relentless pressure on leadership networks—mostly without fanfare.

Obama did not tweet. He acted. So what actually works against groups like ISIS in Nigeria?

First, intelligence supremacy. Human intelligence from local communities, defectors, and infiltrators matters more than bombs. Terror groups survive on secrecy. Break that, and they collapse.

Second, financial and logistical strangulation. Terrorists run on money, fuel, arms, and food. Cut access to smuggling routes, illicit mining, ransom flows, and cross-border trade, and their operational capacity withers.

Third, community stabilization and governance. Terrorism thrives where the state is absent. Roads, schools, policing, and justice systems matter. People who trust the state do not shelter terrorists.

Fourth, regional coordination, not episodic strikes. Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso must sustain joint pressure, not reactive operations driven by headlines.

Airstrikes can support these strategies—but only as tools, never as substitutes.

Trump’s strike may have killed militants. It may have disrupted camps. That is commendable. But it is not a solution. It is a moment. And moments, without strategy, fade.

If Nigerians truly want terror defeated, they should stop worshiping foreign loudness and start demanding disciplined intelligence, consistent policy, and respect for the men and women already fighting on the ground.

Real victories are quiet. Real security is built, not tweeted.

♦ Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Texas’ 18th Congressional District Runoff: Amanda Edwards Deserves This Seat

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3 weeks ago

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December 18, 2025

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“Her persistence and long-term investment make a clear case: she has earned this opportunity.“ —Anthony Obi Ogbo

In the special election to fill Texas’s 18th Congressional District, no candidate won a majority on November 4, 2025, leading to a January 31, 2026, runoff between Democratic frontrunners Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards. Menefee, Harris County Attorney, led the field with roughly 29% of the vote, while former Houston City Council member Edwards finished second with about 26%. Both are vying to represent a district left vacant after the death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner.

The 18th Congressional District is far more than a geographic area. Anchored in Houston’s historic Black communities, it is a political and cultural stronghold shaped by civil rights history, faith institutions, and grassroots activism. Sheila Jackson Lee represented this district for nearly three decades (1995–2024), becoming more than a legislator—she was a constant presence at churches, funerals, protests, and community milestones. For residents, her leadership carried spiritual weight, reflecting stewardship, protection, and a deep, almost pastoral guardianship of the district. Her tenure symbolized continuity, cultural pride, and a profound connection with the people she served.

Houstonians watched as Jackson Lee entered the 2023 Houston mayoral race, attempting to transition from Congress to city leadership. Despite high-profile endorsements, including outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner and national Democratic figures, she lost the December 9, 2023, runoff to State Senator John Whitmire by a wide margin. Following that defeat, Jackson Lee filed to run for re-election to her U.S. House seat, even as Edwards—who had briefly joined the mayoral race before withdrawing—remained in the congressional primary.

At that time, Jackson Lee’s health was visibly declining, yet voters still supported her, honoring decades of service. She defeated Edwards in the 2024 Democratic primary before announcing her battle with pancreatic cancer. Her passing in July 2024 left the seat vacant.

Edwards, already a candidate, sought to fill the seat, but timing and party rules intervened. Because Jackson Lee died too late for a regular primary, Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs selected a replacement nominee. Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a retired but widely respected figure, narrowly edged out Edwards for the nomination, effectively blocking her despite her prior campaigning efforts. Turner won the general election but died in March 2025, triggering a special election in 2025, in which Edwards advanced to a runoff.

The January 31, 2026, runoff will hinge on turnout, coalition-building, and key endorsements. Both candidates led a crowded November field but fell short of a majority, with Menefee narrowly ahead. Endorsements such as State Rep. Jolanda Jones’ support for Edwards could consolidate key Democratic blocs, particularly among Black women and progressive voters. In a heavily Democratic district where voter confusion and turnout patterns have been inconsistent, the candidate who best mobilizes supporters and unites constituencies is likely to prevail.

Amanda Edwards’ case is compelling. Although both candidates share similar values and qualifications, her claim rests on dedication, consistency, and timing that have been repeatedly denied. She pursued this seat with focus and purpose, maintaining a steady commitment to the district and its future. Her path was interrupted by the prolonged political ambitions of Jackson Lee and Turner—figures whose stature reshaped the race but delayed generational transition. Edwards did not step aside; she remained visible, engaged, and prepared. In a moment demanding both continuity and renewal, her persistence and long-term investment make a clear case: she has earned this opportunity.

This race comes down to trust, perseverance, and demonstrated commitment. Amanda Edwards has consistently shown up for the district, even when political circumstances repeatedly delayed her chance. Her dedication reflects readiness, respect for the electorate, and an unwavering commitment to service. Voting for Amanda Edwards is not only justified—it is the right choice for Houston’s 18th Congressional District.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D., is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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