The National Communication Observatory (ONC) of Niger, led by Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, recently organized a training session on generative artificial intelligence and its applications in communication. The session, which took place on October 27, 2026, was attended by department heads of the institution. This is part of the ONC's capacity-building program for its personnel, aiming to modernize administrative and professional practices.

The training, conducted by the Vision Talent cabinet, led by Ousmane Ali Saley, focused on understanding the possibilities offered by generative artificial intelligence, identifying its relevant uses, and considering its limitations. Participants were encouraged to develop a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies, particularly in terms of information reliability, data confidentiality, and human control over generated content.

The ONC's initiative aims to equip its staff with the necessary skills to integrate technological advancements into their professional practices while ensuring responsible use. The training is part of a series of programs designed to enhance the competencies of ONC personnel in various areas of administrative management and media regulation. This move is crucial in the rapidly evolving information and communication technology landscape.

The use of artificial intelligence in communication has transformed working methods in many sectors, including information and communication. The ONC's efforts to train its staff on these new tools demonstrate its commitment to staying up-to-date with technological advancements. By doing so, the institution can effectively regulate the media and ensure that the information disseminated is accurate and reliable.

The training session is a significant step in the ONC's capacity-building program, which seeks to develop a common digital culture within the institution. By expanding its training programs to different categories of staff, the ONC aims to enhance its internal functioning and better understand the transformations affecting the media. This, in turn, will enable the institution to effectively discharge its regulatory responsibilities.

The ONC's focus on artificial intelligence is driven by the need to address the challenges posed by these technologies, including issues related to content authenticity, verification, and responsibility. By acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge, ONC staff can harness the potential of artificial intelligence while ensuring that its use is responsible and aligned with the requirements of the communication industry.

The training program is expected to have a positive impact on the ONC's operations, enabling it to effectively regulate the media in a rapidly changing technological environment. Ultimately, the goal is to translate the acquired skills and knowledge into daily practices, ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are realized while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility.

Key points

  • The National Communication Observatory of Niger is training its staff on artificial intelligence to enhance their skills and modernize administrative practices.
  • The training program aims to develop a common digital culture within the institution and equip staff with the necessary skills to integrate technological advancements into their professional practices.
  • The initiative is crucial in the rapidly evolving information and communication technology landscape, enabling the ONC to effectively regulate the media and ensure that the information disseminated is accurate and reliable.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.