The African Union (AU) has appointed Professor Isa Ali Pantami, Nigeria’s former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, as the Co-chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC).
This appointment tasks Pantami with overseeing the formulation of policies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) across all 54 African countries.
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Pantami’s appointment has garnered attention due to both his controversial past and his achievements in the technology sector. Known for championing initiatives that foster digital innovation, Pantami was instrumental in establishing Nigeria’s National Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).
During his tenure as Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), he also crafted Nigeria’s first Digital Economy Policy, focusing on the growth of emerging technologies.
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The AU’s decision to appoint Pantami highlights his technical expertise, despite the controversies that have surrounded him. His involvement in the Islamic community and previous statements have sparked debate over his political and religious views.
Critics have pointed to Pantami’s past, including accusations that he issued Islamic fatawas that allegedly led to violent consequences. These claims, though fiercely disputed by Pantami, continue to generate controversy around his leadership roles.
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Joining Pantami as co-chair is Professor Anicia Nicola Peter from Namibia, an esteemed researcher in Human-Computer Interaction, Social Media, and emerging technologies. Her inclusion on the council ensures a diverse leadership, with an emphasis on digital innovation and research.
The AU-ASRIC council features top experts, including Professor Khaleed Ghedira from Tunisia and Professor Maha Grima from Morocco, adding depth and insight to the council’s work as they seek to implement Africa’s 4IR strategy.
Pantami’s appointment marks a critical step for the continent as it seeks to enhance its digital and technological infrastructure. However, the shadow of his controversial past will likely continue to follow him as he takes on this new role within the African Union.
