Nigerian business executive and Chief Executive Officer of ELIN Group, Elizabeth Jack-Rich, has stated that Africa will play a major role in the future of the global artificial intelligence economy due to its vast resources and industrial potential.
In a statement released on Thursday, Jack-Rich said the continent’s contribution to the AI sector goes far beyond technology software, stressing that the industry depends heavily on physical infrastructure, energy, and critical raw materials.
Speaking at the UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026 held at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Centre in Washington, DC, she challenged common perceptions about artificial intelligence, describing AI as more of an industrial and physics-driven revolution.
According to her, the rapid growth of AI technologies relies on access to power supply, computing infrastructure, copper, rare earth minerals, and industrial systems required for extraction, transportation, and processing.
Jack-Rich noted that Africa’s role in the evolving global economy is often underestimated, adding that the continent’s biggest opportunity lies in building integrated industrial systems capable of supporting the full value chain.
She explained that future success in the AI-driven economy would favour African operators able to combine sectors such as mining, logistics, aviation, and power while engaging competitively with global investors.
The business leader said this vision is shaping the long-term strategy of ELIN Group, which she described as an operating platform positioned to support industries connected to the AI economy.
The conference, themed “Building for What’s Next,” gathered business executives, entrepreneurs, MBA students, and policymakers to discuss innovation, leadership, sustainability, and resilience in a changing global economy.
The event was organised by the Africa Business Club, Women in Business Graduate Club, and Net Impact Club at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
Jack-Rich also participated in a fireside discussion on leadership and global disruption alongside representatives from Johnson & Johnson and World Bank.
She later expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to global discussions and reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Africa’s influence in shaping the future international economy.
