The Role of AI in Shaping Africa’s Future
The CEO of Margins ID Group, Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr, has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform its future. He called on the continent to integrate AI into education, public policy, government regulations, and private sector practices, highlighting that this is a historic opportunity to reshape Africa’s trajectory.
Speaking at the Africa Education Trust Fund (AETF) AI Conference, which focused on “AI for Africa: Unlocking Opportunities for Education, Innovation and Sustainable Development,” Mr. Baiden stressed that equipping Africa’s youth with AI-relevant skills is crucial. He pointed out that throughout history, Africa has often been excluded from major global developments due to a lack of mindset, resources, strategy, and tactics to move up the value chain.
With 70% of Africa’s population under 30, there is now a significant chance to change the continent’s fortunes. However, Mr. Baiden warned that transformation will not come from conferences or policy documents alone but through deliberate integration of AI into curricula, regulatory frameworks, and business operations.
Despite ongoing efforts to engage in the global technology conversation, a gap still exists between theory and practice, policy and vision, and commitment and funding in Africa’s current governance approach.
The Power and Limitations of AI
AI has the potential to process vast amounts of data rapidly, making accurate decisions with human help faster than any professor in seconds. However, machines have critical limitations. Mr. Baiden emphasized that AI is only relevant when used by subject matter experts, and the quality of data is essential. Without accurate, verified data, even the most advanced technology cannot deliver reliable results.
Trust has become the most valuable asset in the digital era. Ghana has already established a secure and verifiable foundation through the National Identification database, which serves as a single, trusted source of truth across both the public and private sectors.
Margins ID Group partnered with the National Identification Authority to conceptualize, design, build, finance, and operate the Ghana Card system, the country’s central source of verified identity. This infrastructure provides the data backbone required to power machine-driven decision-making across government and business.
Real-World Applications of AI
The system has already demonstrated its value in agriculture. Using the national database, the government recently distributed subsidies directly to verified farmers, eliminating impersonation and ensuring funds reached their intended recipients. By combining this farmer data with information on logistics, market access, and road infrastructure on one platform, AI can help Ghana achieve agricultural efficiency and reduce import dependency.
However, human interference continues to undermine progress. Mr. Baiden identified the real enemies to data-driven governance: saboteurs of economic systems, fraudsters, and those who profit from corruption and inefficiency. These actors resist transparency because data-driven systems expose their activities and eliminate opportunities for exploitation.
“We’re not going anywhere if we do not, as a nation, as citizens, as policy makers, be honest with ourselves and desire a clean, virtual trust in society that removes the human element and makes decisions on data. AI has given us that ability. We need a rethink, we need a rebirth, we need a reorientation. We need a new commitment to advance the African agenda using data-driven decisions and education,” Mr. Baiden said.
Bridging Business and Technology
Acting Chief of Marketing and Communications at Margins ID Group, Mina Ebela Hassan, highlighted the company’s role in bridging business and technology. “We have built infrastructure that traces every financial transaction, enabling businesses to track and prevent fraud whilst protecting their operations and services.”
Other speakers at the conference, including Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, convener of the event; Hon. Sam George, Minister for Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation; and Nii Kodjo Ashifie Papanyira, representative of the Ga Mantse, called for collaboration amongst government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to create digital solutions that reflect Africa’s identity, priorities, and ambitions.
Commitment to Data-Driven Solutions
With over three decades of expertise in digitisation, data warehousing, smart card technology, access control systems, and digital identity solutions, Margins ID Group and its subsidiaries remain committed to strengthening Ghana’s data ecosystem and partnering with institutions to achieve SDG 16.9 – Legal Identity for All.
The group’s efforts underscore the importance of leveraging AI and digital infrastructure to drive sustainable development and foster a transparent, data-driven society. As Africa moves forward, the integration of AI into various sectors will be key to unlocking its full potential.