Introduction to Nigeria’s New AI Fund
The Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to launch a $1.5 million initiative aimed at advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) development across the country. The initiative – AI Fund, set to be unveiled on October 7, 2024, in Abuja, reflects the government’s growing focus on harnessing AI to drive technological growth and innovation. The announcement was made by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, during an interview on Arise TV.
This new initiative follows a previous AI fund launched in collaboration with Google, which attracted some criticism for its perceived limitations. However, the upcoming fund, which is backed by the global foundation Luminate, represents a renewed effort to pool resources from both local and international partners to support AI-driven advancements.
Government’s Commitment to AI Growth
During the interview, Dr. Tijani addressed concerns about the N100 million AI fund launched earlier by the Ministry in partnership with Google. Critics had labeled the fund as insufficient, but the Minister clarified that it was part of a broader, long-term strategy. He emphasized that the $1.5 million fund underscores the government’s dedication to AI development, adding that this funding will ensure that Nigeria does not rely solely on domestic resources for its AI ecosystem.
Dr. Tijani also discussed plans to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Trust in collaboration with AI Collaborative, a global AI governance and research group. This body will oversee the ethical and sustainable growth of AI in Nigeria, ensuring that innovations in the sector align with international standards. The Trust will play a key role in developing AI applications in local languages, promoting inclusive access to AI technologies for Nigeria’s diverse population.
AI and Nigeria’s Long-Term Infrastructure Development
The Minister highlighted the government’s long-term vision for improving technology infrastructure, which he described as a foundational element in Nigeria’s technological transformation. One of the largest ongoing projects is the fibre optic cable installation, designed to cover 90,000 kilometers across the country. Although the full installation is expected to take several years, Dr. Tijani underscored its importance for Nigeria’s digital future.
The $2 billion required for this fibre optic project will be raised over the next 18 months, according to the Minister, but the eventual impact will be transformative. By enhancing connectivity across the country, this infrastructure will help address key national issues, including poverty, through increased access to digital services and employment opportunities.
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Empowering Technical Talent and Local Government Service Delivery
In addition to large-scale infrastructure projects, Dr. Tijani spoke about the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a government program that aims to create technology-related job opportunities for Nigerians. This initiative is already making strides in preparing Nigeria’s workforce for the digital economy. Dr. Tijani also mentioned the 774 Project, which seeks to improve service delivery at the local government level by connecting secretariats nationwide, further enhancing the efficiency of public services.
The AI Collective and Nigeria’s AI Ecosystem
Earlier this year, during a National AI workshop, Dr. Tijani introduced the AI Collective, a collaborative platform focused on developing Nigeria’s AI ecosystem. The $1.5 million fund from Luminate will support this initiative over the next three years, helping to build capacity for AI governance, research, and innovation. The AI Collective operates within the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), providing a collaborative space for academia, civil society, and tech professionals to work together toward a unified goal: positioning AI as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth.
The fund will also support several key organizations, including Data Science Nigeria, Lagos Business School, and the Centre for Journalism, Innovation, and Development. These institutions will contribute to AI governance frameworks, develop cutting-edge research, and drive AI-based innovation across various sectors.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for AI in Nigeria
Nigeria’s $1.5 million AI fund, backed by Luminate, marks a significant step toward building a robust and sustainable AI ecosystem. With initiatives focused on both infrastructure and talent development, the government’s strategic investments in AI and digital technologies are set to drive long-term economic growth. Through collaborations between the public sector, academia, and civil society, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for AI to play a crucial role in solving national challenges, enhancing governance, and creating new economic opportunities for its citizens.