The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries around the globe, but its adoption varies significantly, particularly between developed and developing nations. Recently, India and Nigeria have been making strides to integrate AI solutions locally, reflecting a growing awareness of potential benefits and the need for localized adaptations.
Sridhar Vembu, former CEO of Zoho Corp, highlighted the extensive R&D talent present within India but noted significant barriers, especially relating to language. "There is a lot of R&D talent in India if we get rid of the English barrier and the social stigma of not knowing English well," he expressed on X. Vembu's remarks are becoming increasingly relevant as Indian companies start favoring homegrown AI startups rather than relying on larger, foreign tech firms. Such companies provide needed flexibility and localized solutions to real-world problems.
For example, MN Anucheth, the Joint Commissioner of Bengaluru Traffic, shared his insights on collaborating with local AI startups to develop solutions for traffic management. "Since Bengaluru is the tech capital of India and many AI-based startups are based here, we have benefited significantly from these partnerships," he said. He emphasized how local firms can offer real-time solutions as opposed to generic systems typically provided by larger corporations.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police has successfully collaborated with numerous indigenous AI startups, including Monday Technologies, known for its AI avatars used for awareness videos, and others focused on drone-based monitoring. Anucheth noted the importance of continuous feedback to refine their existing systems, particularly improving technologies such as seatbelt detection.
While big tech companies like Google and Cisco provide traffic management solutions, local authorities have shown preference for maintaining control over their infrastructure and tailoring solutions to fit their specific needs. "Nothing against big tech companies, but I think our experience has been such solutions often aren't tailor-made for us," Anucheth added.
Similarly, investment trends showcase a pivot toward local AI solutions. Will Poole from Capria Ventures pointed out the potential of Indian startups to understand market verticals, particularly stressed within the healthcare domain. He noted how traditional tech firms often miss the mark when addressing specific needs, particularly for dynamic sectors like radiology. Poole remarked, "The big-tech models are going to be there to prove the science of the underlying technology, but they are not good at solving vertical needs..." His comments set the stage for emphasizing the advantage of local innovators.
Healthcare is increasingly becoming the focal point for AI’s transformative capabilities. Emi Membere-Otaji, a medical expert and healthcare investor from Nigeria, urged his nation to take decisive action. Speaking at the '8th Professor Felix Oladejo Dosekun Memorial Lecture', he emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to establish itself as a leader within the burgeoning AI sector. He insisted on developing policy frameworks to drive the revolution, particularly through research and collaboration with technology experts.
Membere-Otaji pointed out AI's significant potential to impact medical education and practice, stating, "AI is transforming every sector of human endeavors, and healthcare is no exception." He called for immediate actions to integrate AI systematically within Nigeria's medical training, alerting the audience to the risks of inertia. "This intersection... is revolutionizing medical education and practice," he concluded.
AI is already seen revolutionizing medical diagnostics, enabling practitioners to analyze complex datasets, improve diagnostic precision, and refine treatment protocols. The expectation is for future physicians to be equipped with the necessary knowledge to leverage AI as its applications expand.
From providing enhanced educational tools to personalized patient treatments, the AI transformation extends beyond healthcare. Indian companies are already leading this shift by fostering collaborations with local AI startups, establishing a framework for broader comprehension and localized solutions.
Membere-Otaji advocated for timely intervention, stating, "Nigeria must decide whether it wants to be a leader or follower in the AI evolution." His call signifies the urgency needed to embrace AI at all levels, ensuring the medical community is prepared to integrate machine intelligence effectively. Therefore, as the AI narrative continues to evolve, the nations willing to adapt and innovate—leveraging their native languages, cultural insights, and localized data—will find themselves at the forefront of this technological revolution.
Indeed, the combined insights from both India and Nigeria reflect not only growing interest but also the recognition of diverse needs within their respective contexts. The future of AI adoption and development lies heavily upon the ability of these nations to support local innovations and mitigate barriers such as language, data access, and educational infrastructure.