Nigeria, Oct. 22 -- John Palfrey, president of the MacArthur Foundation, has urged African countries to translate their artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions into practical solutions, calling for greater investment in digital skills and technologies that improve healthcare, inclusion and economic opportunities.

"It is a matter of putting the right skills in the hands of the right young people and then believing in them that they can shape this future," Mr Palfrey said.

He spoke during a fireside chat titled "Positioning Africa in the Global AI Order: Capital, Talent, and Trust" at the BUILD 2026 Conference in Abuja.

The two-day conference, held from 21 to 22 October, is hosted by the Nigeria AI Collective. The event focuses on the inf...