ABSTRACT

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fears of its surpassing human intelligence demand urgent scholarly attention. This study examines Ray Kurzweil’s vision of technological singularity, where machines exceed human cognitive abilities, through a philosophical lens, with a focus on its implications for Nigerian-African society. Using a hermeneutic approach, the research interprets Kurzweil’s ideas, exploring the ethical, metaphysical, and existential challenges they pose, particularly for African societies. A central argument of this study is that Africa remains largely dependent on technology transfer rather than innovation. If African nations do not wake up to the realities of AI and technological singularity, they risk severe existential consequences, including economic subjugation, cultural erosion, and a loss of agency in shaping the future. The study critiques the feasibility of Kurzweil’s predictions while emphasizing the urgent need for Africa to develop AI technologies that align with its cultural values and societal needs. Ultimately, this research calls for proactive engagement with AI development, urging African scholars, policymakers, and innovators to prepare for the singularity rather than passively consume external technologies. Without such preparation, Africa may find itself controlled by AI systems that do not reflect its realities. The study offers insights for anthropologists, educationists, and policymakers, stressing that Africa must move from being a consumer to a creator of AI if it is to safeguard its identity and future in an age of advancing machine intelligence.