Nigeria AI collective launched with $1.5 million boost to advance AI development
By Felicia Nwosu
The Nigeria AI Collective, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing artificial intelligence in Nigeria, has officially been launched in Abuja, supported by a $1.5 million commitment from global philanthropic organization Luminate.
This initiative is set to foster collaboration across sectors including civil society, academia, and technology, with the goal of promoting the safe and ethical use of AI while driving innovation and economic growth.
Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, shared this exciting news on his LinkedIn handle, emphasizing the critical need for Nigeria to take a leading role in shaping AI’s development. He noted that the Nigeria AI Collective represents an inclusive platform for knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and capacity-building, aimed at ensuring AI contributes to societal advancement while adhering to ethical standards.
The minister highlighted the transformative potential of AI across multiple sectors, stressing the importance of ensuring that its deployment in Nigeria aligns with ethical standards. He noted that the AI Collective’s collaborative approach will help ensure Nigeria is not only part of the global AI conversation but is positioned as a leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence for positive societal impact.
“The Nigeria AI Collective is a reflection of our unique ecosystem approach towards developing AI for the greater good of society. This initiative sets a standard for transformational change and capacity-building, ensuring AI is a force for good while driving economic and technological progress.”
He affirmed that the Collective’s formation aligns with the earlier development of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), created with input from 120 Nigerian AI experts. The strategy is currently undergoing stakeholder engagement and seeks to outline a comprehensive roadmap for the future of AI in the country.
According to him, the Nigeria AI Collective will be managed by three key organizations in collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Lagos Business School (LBS) will lead research activities and provide AI training, Data Science Nigeria (DSN) will drive entrepreneurship and innovation, while the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) will focus on AI governance.
The digital guru explained that the $1.5 million funding from Luminate is expected to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s AI ecosystem, with significant potential for economic impact. As industries globally turn to AI to enhance growth, Nigeria is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this technological shift. Sectors such as finance, healthcare, and agriculture are expected to benefit from AI-driven innovations, contributing to national development.
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