AI adoption has the potential to increase productivity and create jobs, especially in tech. By investing in AI infrastructure and promoting collaborations between the public and private sectors, Nigeria aims to position itself as an AI leader in Africa.
In partnership with Google, the Nigerian government has launched a ₦100 million ($59,500) fund to support 10 startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their technology solutions. The initiative was announced on September 10, 2024, by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy at the 2-day ‘Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa Conference’ in Lagos.
Today, we launched the N100million Artificial Intelligence Fund in collaboration with @googleafrica aimed at supporting Nigerian startups leveraging AI to build innovative solutions.
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) September 10, 2024
The AI Fund, which will be coordinated by @NCAIRNigeria, is a critical step in taking advantage… pic.twitter.com/pKyuz6SFhJ
Dr. Tijani emphasized the government's role in shaping AI policies that can influence both public and private sectors, stating, "If we get it right in the public sector, it will permeate the private sector and shape the future of things in our country."
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) will coordinate the fund as part of the government's broader push to position Nigeria as a leader in AI technology.
Google's involvement in the fund reflects its commitment to Africa's digital future. In addition to the funding, the selected startups will gain access to Google's AI tools, mentorship, and a global network of experts.
Startups eligible for this funding must have at least one Nigerian founder and be focused on AI solutions with scalable potential. The application period will run from September 10 to September 25, with recipients announced in October.
This initiative is expected to accelerate AI adoption in Nigeria and further cement the country's position as a key player in Africa's digital economy. It aligns with broader strategies outlined in the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS).
Additionally, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, complements these efforts by focusing on building a skilled workforce in tech and AI. This aligns well with the AI fund, which targets startups with high-impact potential, as seen in the recent partnerships between Google and Nigeria.
According to multinational accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwC), AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with Africa benefiting from increased efficiencies and new business opportunities.
Hikmatu Bilali
