Former Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has been appointed as Co-chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC) by the African Union (AU).

In his new role, Professor Pantami will be responsible for developing the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy and Strategy for Africa, which will impact all 54 nations on the continent. His appointment highlights his expertise in driving technological innovation, particularly in advancing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

During his tenure as Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Pantami established the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). He also spearheaded Nigeria’s first Digital Economy Policy, with a strong focus on Digital Society and Emerging Technologies.

Joining him as co-chair is Professor Anicia Nicola Peter from Namibia, a distinguished researcher known for her work in Human-Computer Interaction, Social Media, Gamification, and emerging technologies. The council includes esteemed experts such as Professor Khaleed Ghedira from Tunisia, Professor Maha Grima from Morocco, and other notable academics and policymakers.