An African artificial intelligence (AI) transformation coach, Adeoye Abodunrin, has called on African governments, policy makers and institutions to deliberately integrate behavioural economics insights into AI strategies, warning that technology-driven reforms without human-centred design risk deepening inequality across the continent.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Abodunrin said Africa’s AI future must be shaped not only by advanced algorithms and infrastructure, but by a deep understanding of human behaviour, decision-making and socio-cultural realities.

“AI will only deliver inclusive growth in Africa if we design systems that understand how Africans think, decide, trust and adapt. Without behavioural economics, AI policies may look impressive on paper but fail at the level that matters most, people,” Abodunrin said.

Abodunrin noted that many AI strategies across the continent focus heavily on technology acquisition while overlooking behavioural incentives that influence adoption, productivity and trust in public systems.

According to him, behavioural economics provides governments with critical tools to design AI-enabled policies that work in real African contexts, from digital identity systems and financial inclusion platforms to healthcare delivery, education, taxation and public service reform.

Drawing on recent data from Google & Ipsos ‘Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People’ report, Abodunrin highlighted that Nigeria is emerging as a global leader in AI adoption, with usage patterns that point to the technology’s rapid integration into learning, work, entrepreneurship and everyday problem-solving.

“AI holds immense potential for Africa, but we cannot prioritise infrastructure and algorithms while ignoring the human behaviour that determines how these technologies are used, trusted and trusted by citizens,” Abodunrin said.
 
He added: “In the AI era, behavioural insight is not optional, it is fundamental to inclusive growth, innovation and social impact.