Africa is at the heart of the future of the global AI economy.

Our correspondent from Nigeria, Boubacar Sani

Nigerian businesswoman and CEO of ELIN Group, Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, has placed the African continent at the forefront of the future landscape of the global artificial intelligence economy, asserting that the continent’s natural resources and industrial capabilities will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of technological development.

This came in an official statement signed by her herself, coinciding with her participation in the UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, which was held on April 25 at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.

Artificial intelligence is a "physical story," not just a software story.

During her speech, Jack-Rich addressed traditional narratives about artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the true foundation of this technological revolution is not limited to software, but is linked to physical infrastructure and raw materials.

«Everyone talks about artificial intelligence as if it’s a software story, but it’s really a physics story,» she said, explaining that the rapid expansion of AI technologies depends directly on elements such as energy, computing power, copper, and rare earth elements, along with the industrial services needed to extract, transport, and process these resources.

Africa and the integrated industrial value chain

She pointed out that Africa's importance in this ecosystem is often underestimated. While the continent is known for its huge mineral wealth, the real opportunity, she said, lies in building integrated industrial capabilities across the entire value chain.

She added that the next decade will reward companies operating in Africa that are able to integrate the mining, aviation, logistics and energy sectors, with the ability to deal with global capital on an equal footing.

A strategic bet for the ELIN Group

Jack-Rich revealed that this vision is driving her group's strategic direction, saying: "This is the bet I'm making with ELIN Group. We're not investing in Africa out of emotion or aid, but rather building an operational platform on which the AI economy, the African economy, depends.".

Conference discusses leadership in times of transformation

The conference, themed «Building for What’s Next,» brought together MBA students, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss leadership, innovation, and resilience in a rapidly changing global economy. The event was organized in partnership with the African Business Club, the Alumni Business Club, and the NetImpact Club at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

Jack-Rich participated as a keynote speaker and panelist in a panel discussion entitled «Leadership in an Age of Disruption: Identity, Power, and Influence,» alongside global leaders such as Denise Fall of Johnson & Johnson and Tolani Alli of the World Bank.

An inspiring dialogue for the new generation of leaders

Participants described the discussions as deep and forward-looking, especially for young people and emerging leaders facing the challenges of sustainability and global economic volatility.

In closing, Jack-Rich expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue, affirming her commitment to advancing the African role in shaping the future of the global economy.