By By Elizabeth Ugbo
GENEVA, Switzerland – Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Nigeria’s representative on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), on Thursday urged greater digital inclusion for women and girls, saying it will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy. She made the call while speaking at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.
Digital Inclusion Key to Economic Growth
Eghobamien-Mshelia, a public policy analyst and gender mainstreaming expert, stressed that women and girls must play active roles in the country’s digital transformation.
She said expanding access to artificial intelligence and digital literacy at the grassroots would unlock innovation, improve entrepreneurship, and create new economic opportunities.
According to her, empowering women with digital skills will help Nigeria build a stronger and more inclusive economy.
AI for Good Summit Promotes Global Collaboration
She explained that the AI for Good initiative began in 2017 and has become the world’s leading platform for advancing practical AI solutions.
The summit brings together governments, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, international organisations, and civil society groups from more than 150 countries.
Participants use the platform to showcase practical applications of artificial intelligence while discussing its future governance and development.
Nigeria’s Voice on AI Governance
Eghobamien-Mshelia said she was honoured to represent the interests of more than four billion women and girls worldwide.
She added that her participation also advanced the interests of Africa and emerging economies, including Nigeria, in shaping the future of AI governance.
Furthermore, she stressed that women must have equal opportunities to contribute to technological innovation and policy development.
Supporting Tinubu’s $1 Trillion Economy Vision
Eghobamien-Mshelia linked digital inclusion directly to President Tinubu’s economic agenda for 2026 to 2030.
She said widespread AI education and digital literacy among women and girls would support entrepreneurship, increase innovation, and boost productivity.
She also noted that entrepreneurs remain the foundation of sustainable economic growth.
“This will contribute to realising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and target of a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria and expand the space for digital inclusion for women and girls across the grassroots,” she said.
The AI for Good Global Summit is hosted annually by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The event continues to unite policymakers, innovators, industry leaders, and development partners to develop practical AI solutions for global challenges.
