By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Togo’s Minister of Public
Sector Efficiency and Digital Transformation, Cina Lawson, is highlighting the
country’s efforts to use artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies
to create jobs, improve public services and expand economic opportunities at
the World Bank Group’s Global AI & Digital Summit in Seoul, South Korea.
Lawson said African
countries must turn AI’s potential into tangible progress for their populations
as the technology reshapes economies.
She said the key questions
should include whether citizens can access public services in languages they
understand, whether students can acquire the skills needed for future jobs and
whether governments can reach vulnerable people when they need support.
“These are the questions
that matter to me,” Lawson said, describing the priorities guiding Togo’s
digital transformation efforts.
Among the initiatives she
highlighted is Novissi, which demonstrated how AI tools could support
vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis.
Togo is also expanding
access to digital and AI skills through a national training programme in
artificial intelligence, computer programming and English for students.
Another initiative, Voix du
Togo, is developing the resources needed for AI systems to understand the
country’s local languages, supporting efforts to make digital technologies more
accessible to people who speak them.
Lawson also pointed to the
Togo Digital Acceleration Project, supported by the World Bank Group, which is
extending connectivity to schools, health facilities and local administrations.
The minister said she looked
forward to sharing Togo’s experience in Seoul, learning from other countries
and strengthening partnerships to advance these efforts in Togo and across
Africa.
The summit brings together
public leaders, entrepreneurs and technology partners for three days of
discussions on how AI and digital technologies can support employment, improve
public services and open up economic opportunities.
