The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancement in the country. Spearheaded by Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, the program, backed by $1.5 million in funding from global foundation Luminate, will officially launch on October 7th in Abuja.
Luminate, a foundation dedicated to empowering people with access to information and influencing key decisions, is providing the financial backing for this initiative. It represents a major step in Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a significant player in the global AI landscape.
Responding to Early Criticism: Building a Larger, Strategic Effort
This new initiative follows the earlier launch of a N100 million AI fund in partnership with Google. However, the original fund faced criticism from the Nigerian tech community, which argued that the fund was insufficient to drive meaningful AI advancements.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Tijani clarified that the N100 million fund was just the initial phase of a broader, long-term strategy. The $1.5 million from Luminate is part of this larger effort, with additional local and international resources being pooled to bolster Nigeria’s AI development.
Ethical, Safe, and Sustainable AI: The Role of the National AI Trust
Central to this larger AI strategy is the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Trust. Formed in collaboration with AI Collaborative, the Trust will ensure that AI technologies in Nigeria are developed ethically, safely, and sustainably.
A major focus of the Trust will be promoting inclusivity through the use of local languages in AI systems, thereby creating more diverse and representative language models. Additionally, the data used in AI development will be monetized, with proceeds reinvested into the Trust to further drive innovation and progress in the AI space.
Laying the Foundation for Nigeria’s AI Future
Dr. Tijani acknowledged the long-term nature of these efforts, stressing that the immediate benefits of large-scale technology projects might not be visible. However, he emphasized the transformative impact they will have on Nigeria’s future. One such example is the government’s ambitious plan to lay 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across the country, a project critical for enabling high-speed internet connectivity and fostering economic growth. Although this initiative may take years to complete, its eventual payoff in terms of digital infrastructure and opportunities will be monumental.
Empowering Nigerians Through Digital Skills
The Nigerian government’s tech-forward approach isn’t just focused on AI but also on equipping citizens with the necessary digital skills to participate in this evolving landscape. Dr. Tijani highlighted the success of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MT) initiative, a government-led program aimed at training Nigerians in digital skills to boost employment in the tech sector. Already, the initiative has shown promising results, with many trainees securing jobs in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
Strengthening Local Governance with the 774 Project
In another effort to harness technology for societal progress, the government has launched the 774 Project. This initiative seeks to connect local government secretariats to digital infrastructure, thereby improving service delivery at the grassroots level. By bridging the gap between technology and governance, the 774 Project is poised to enhance efficiency and transparency in public administration.
The Role of the AI Collective in Nigeria’s AI Journey
Another cornerstone of Nigeria’s AI advancement is the AI Collective, launched earlier this year. This collaborative platform brings together stakeholders from civil society, academia, and the tech industry to drive AI governance, research, and innovation. Luminate’s $1.5 million, allocated over the next three years, will support the AI Collective. The initiative is being managed by key institutions including Data Science Nigeria, Lagos Business School, and the Center for Journalism, Innovation, and Development.
Through these collective efforts, the Nigerian government is positioning the country at the forefront of AI development, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Source: Innovation Village