AI Salon: Data is the new oil but who is drilling it? [Lagos]

​In the age of AI, data has become the new oil—a critical resource powering innovation and economic growth. This resource will be foundational to a future world where AI impacts everything.

​Yet, Nigerians and Africans historically face a significant challenge: we don't have enough accessible, representative data to understand our unique contexts and fully leverage AI technologies for our benefit.

​This time, we're digging into the question: “Data is the new oil, but who is drilling it?”

​As AI systems increasingly shape the societies we live in, we face a critical moment to address our data scarcity, understand who controls existing African data, and develop strategies to generate, own, and utilize the data needed for our AI-driven future.

​In this salon, we'll explore:

• ​The current state of data availability and accessibility in Nigeria—what data exists, who owns it, and what gaps prevent us from building AI that serves our unique needs

• ​How we can conceptualize data for AI in the African context—moving beyond consumption to strategic data generation and ownership

• ​Practical approaches to "drilling" for the data needed to power AI solutions for African challenges

• ​Models for ensuring that Africans maintain sovereignty over the data that will shape our technological future

​As with every AI Salon, we're keeping things intentionally small and deeply conversational. We want diverse voices in the room—technologists, creatives, researchers, policymakers, and curious minds—all asking: How do we ensure Africans generate, access, and control the data needed to build AI that truly serves our unique needs?

​Note: Space is limited. Your registration responses help us curate the group thoughtfully. If we’re full, we’ll keep your info and reach out for future salons.

​​​​​​The AI Salon is a global community founded in San Francisco focused on intimate, small-sized group discussions on the sociological, economic, cultural, and philosophical impacts and meaning of AI developments. We host small group discussions, all of which you can find on our calendar. You can find summaries of our previous conversations on our substack.