Nigeria has taken another major step toward establishing itself as Africa’s leading hub for artificial intelligence with the launch of the Nigeria AI Accelerator Programme, in partnership with Meta.
The initiative, announced through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is designed to support startups developing AI-driven solutions that address key social and economic challenges across the country. It will be executed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its research affiliate, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).
The programme will run from August to December 2025, offering selected participants access to technical resources, mentorship, and institutional support to build practical AI applications in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and education.
This partnership reflects Nigeria’s expanding strategy of engaging global tech companies to accelerate local innovation. In 2024, the government collaborated with Google to launch a ₦100 million AI fund supporting ten Nigerian startups, followed by a $1.5 million initiative backed by Luminate to further strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem.
Google has also pledged $5.8 million to train sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce in AI, as part of its broader commitment to the region’s digital future.
By teaming up with Meta, Nigeria not only gains access to global expertise but also enhances its ability to keep up with rapid advances in machine learning and generative AI. The collaboration offers Nigerian innovators a direct link to international best practices and networks.
The government’s focus on AI became more structured in 2023 when it began developing a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. That effort brought together both local and diaspora experts to lay the groundwork for institutional and regulatory frameworks guiding AI development in Nigeria.
With this latest programme, Nigeria is strengthening its position as a leader in AI innovation on the continent. As other African nations monitor its progress, the country is increasingly becoming a model for public–private partnerships that drive digital transformation in Africa.
