AI adoption could trigger economic disruptions in African ports – Dantsoho
Nigerian Ports Authority Chief Warns of AI-Driven Economic Disruptions in Africa
CASABLANCA, Morocco — Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has issued a serious warning regarding the swift integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in port operations. He cautioned that this trend could lead to significant economic disruptions throughout Africa, particularly amid increasing cyberattacks on maritime infrastructure.
Dantsoho’s remarks were made at the African Ports Conference, held recently in Casablanca. According to a statement released on Thursday, he emphasized the potential consequences of cyberattacks, which can result in disrupted cargo handling, delayed shipments, and major interruptions to trade. This situation poses risks of substantial financial losses for African economies as ports increasingly adopt digital technologies.
To address these challenges, Dantsoho advocated for enhanced cybersecurity measures, regional intelligence sharing, and standardized digital protocols across African ports. He noted that addressing the security risks associated with digitalization and AI adoption is crucial.
Reflecting on previous global cyber incidents that affected port operations, Dantsoho highlighted the broader implications of such attacks beyond mere IT vulnerabilities. He referenced a 2021 cyberattack on Transnet, which compelled South Africa’s container terminals to declare force majeure. Additionally, in 2023, cyber incidents severely impacted the Port of Nagoya and DP World terminals in Australia, demonstrating that these events disrupt trade rather than just information technology systems.
“AI can help a port work more intelligently, but cybersecurity protects its ability to work at all,” he remarked.
Dantsoho underscored that improving digital coordination and bolstering cybersecurity would be vital for safeguarding port operations and sustaining trade as African nations increasingly integrate advanced technologies into their maritime infrastructure. His comments come at a time when the maritime industry is becoming more reliant on digital systems for managing cargo movement and shipping documentation, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
