Meta, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has launched the Llama Impact Accelerator — a new initiative aimed at nurturing impactful artificial intelligence solutions in Nigeria.
The eight-month accelerator programme is designed to support early-stage startups using open-source Llama large language models (LLMs) to develop innovative solutions targeting some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. The initiative will focus on four critical sectors: Agriculture, Security and Safety, Healthcare, and a ‘wild card’ category that invites bold, original applications of AI in other high-impact areas.
Structured in two key phases, the programme begins with a six-week incubation period where selected teams will receive hands-on training, mentorship, and technical guidance from AI professionals and industry leaders. This will be followed by a six-month extended support phase, offering continued access to expert resources and platforms to further scale their solutions.
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa said the company is enthusiastic about collaborating with Nigeria’s government to launch this accelerator, describing the country as a fertile ground for AI innovation. She noted that by making open-source tools like Llama more accessible and locally relevant, the programme aims to produce solutions with meaningful societal impact.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy hailed the initiative as a major milestone in building a robust national AI ecosystem. He emphasized AI’s potential as a key driver of national development and expressed confidence that the programme would equip innovators with tools to address critical issues.
This initiative is part of Meta’s broader effort to democratize access to responsible AI and support grassroots innovation in Africa. Through close cooperation with government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society, the accelerator seeks to build an inclusive, forward-thinking AI ecosystem rooted in ethical practices and real-world impact.
Applications for the Llama Impact Accelerator are open until June 27, 2025. Interested applicants can learn more at https://llamaimpactssa.splashthat.com).
