- Elizabeth Jack-Rich said AI had been wrongly viewed as mainly software-driven
- She argued Africa’s infrastructure and industrial capacity had been underestimated
- She noted the continent had been positioned to benefit from the next phase of AI growth
A Nigerian entrepreneur and technology expert, Elizabeth Jack-Rich, has said artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be undervalued across Nigeria and the wider African continent due to a narrow understanding of what truly drives the technology.
Speaking at a recent AI-focused event in Washington, D.C., Jack-Rich argued that discussions around AI have been overly centred on software innovation, while ignoring the fundamental role of physical infrastructure and resource supply.
According to her, AI should not be perceived primarily as a digital or software-based revolution, but as one grounded in energy systems, industrial capacity, and access to critical raw materials. She stressed that the success of AI technologies depends heavily on reliable power, advanced infrastructure, and the systems required to extract and process essential minerals.
“Everyone talks about AI as a software story, but it is not. It is a physics story—in power, infrastructure, and the systems required to extract and refine critical resources,” she said during her remarks.
Jack-Rich highlighted that Africa’s contribution to the evolving AI economy is frequently underestimated. While the continent is recognised for its mineral wealth, she noted that its potential extends far beyond raw material supply to include the development of integrated industrial ecosystems.
She explained that the coming decade would likely favour operators and investors willing to build and expand infrastructure within Africa, positioning the continent as a key player in the global AI value chain.
“What is underestimated is not that Africa holds a major deposit or is a major supplier of these minerals, but what is underestimated is the fact that the next decade rewards operators on the continent,” she added.
Her comments come at a time of increasing global demand for critical minerals and energy infrastructure needed to support AI systems, data centres, and other digital technologies. As countries and corporations race to scale AI capabilities, the importance of stable electricity supply and industrial processing capacity has become more pronounced.
Reports indicate that the global AI economy could contribute as much as $15.7 trillion to economic output by 2030, underscoring the scale of opportunity available. Analysts say Africa could play a significant role if it addresses infrastructure deficits and leverages its natural and human resources effectively.