Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant idea—it is fast becoming a powerful force that is changing how businesses and governments operate. For Folajimi Daodu, Chief Executive Officer of Vault Hill and one of Africa’s leading voices in AI, blockchain, and immersive technology, the continent cannot afford to be left behind.Speaking ahead of the Brand Journalists’ Conference set for November 28 in Lagos, where he will deliver a talk on “AI and Marketing Workflow: Disruption or Opportunity”, Daodu made a passionate case for why Nigeria and Africa must embrace AI as a driver of economic transformation. Recently appointed as Chief Strategy Officer and board member of the Nigeria in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, he is urging leaders, innovators, and individuals to see AI not as a threat but as a co-collaborator.
“Like every major innovation, AI has both positive and negative sides,” Daodu said in an exclusive interview. “Governments, employers, and innovators need to open their minds to the opportunities while also preparing for what could go wrong. AI is here to stay, and we must figure out how to work with it as a co-collaborator.”
Job Disruption and the Need to Reskill
One of the biggest concerns about AI is the fear of job losses. Daodu, however, drew a parallel with the third and fourth industrial revolutions, when car assembly workers were forced to adapt to automation. He explained that while some jobs will disappear, new ones will also be created, provided workers are willing to reskill.
“Yes, some jobs will be obsolete, but this is where advocacy and education matter,” he noted. “Workers need to reskill to stay relevant. For example, if AI allows you to complete in minutes what used to take days, the challenge is how to use those extra hours productively within your organization.”
Daodu stressed that the responsibility for upskilling lies with all parties: government, employers, and individuals. “The government is an enabler, but the ultimate responsibility lies with individuals. The internet has democratised learning; you can acquire new skills in days or months. It takes discipline, but the change has to start with us,” he added.
Ethics, Costs, and Africa’s Leapfrog Moment
Beyond job concerns, Daodu also addressed ethical questions around AI adoption. He warned that trust could be lost if transparency is ignored. “If you use AI to create work, attribute it. Ethics, legal frameworks, and intellectual property must be taken seriously to build trust,” he said. He acknowledged that AI can be expensive for small businesses, with annual running costs ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. “It’s not for ‘small boys,’ but the benefits outweigh the costs. Beyond the tools, businesses must invest in data privacy, hosting, and security,” he explained.
Industries such as manufacturing and logistics, he noted, are the most likely to face disruption. Employers must start preparing their workforce now to reduce the risk of sudden shocks. Looking ahead, Daodu compared AI to the mobile phone revolution, urging African governments to act with the same urgency. “Africa can leapfrog again. Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria already have AI strategies. Now we need intentional investment, execution capability, and bold leadership to make it real,” he said. Daodu, who was selected by the Dubai Future Foundation in 2024 to help design strategies for Dubai’s next decade, concluded with a call to action: “Leaders must fully embrace technology because of the advancement it can bring. They need to empower their teams, experiment, and build for the youth who will lead tomorrow.”
