Applications are now open for Nigerian AI-focused startups
At the Global Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence: Africa conference held at the Lagos Continental Hotel today, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, unveiled the launch of the AI Fund in collaboration with Google.
The AI Fund in Collaboration with Google, designed to support the development of homegrown AI solutions, will offer startups the boost required to scale.
According to Dr. Tijani, “The fund from Google is going to start by funding 10 innovative ideas to build the technology solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to help in critical sectors of the country.”
He noted the need to incorporate Nigeria’s unique cultural diversity and economic realities into the creation of these AI-driven solutions, especially in areas like healthcare and agriculture.
The Fund is set to provide essential support to Nigerian startups, offering financial backing, technical resources, and strategic mentorship.
Each beneficiary of the fund will receive up to ₦10 million in grant funding, alongside access to Google’s AI tools and expert mentorship from Google engineers. Selected startups will be able to tap into Google’s wide network, positioning them for global exposure.
The program will run for six weeks, from October to November 2024, during which the chosen startups will gain tailored support to scale their AI solutions.
Dr. Tijani mentioned the importance of this initiative in supporting local talent, saying, “It’s important that we not only promote the use of AI but also support those who want to build locally to be able to build.”
Dr. Seth Center, acting special envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology at the U.S. Department of State, also spoke on the importance of the AI Fund.
He underlined the need for a comprehensive ecosystem approach to AI development, which extends beyond the technology itself to include infrastructure, data, and skills. “The central issue of the AI future is, how will it be inclusive? How can we develop AI in partnership?” Dr. Center stated.
He commended the collaboration between the U.S., Google, and Nigeria, which aims to ensure equitable access to AI resources and opportunities.
The partnership between Google and Nigeria’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) points to the prospects for public-private cooperation to drive economic and technological growth.
Google’s support in terms of funding, mentorship, and networking will allow Nigerian startups to create AI solutions that go beyond addressing local challenges but also have the ability to scale across Africa and globally.
Asides the financial aspect, this initiative holds the promise of adding billions to Nigeria’s economy. “It’s $175 billion in incremental GDP by 2030 that supporting startups and driving skills can provide for the economy.”
The conference also highlighted other collaborative initiatives in the AI space. In his remarks, Dr. Tijani discussed Nigeria’s broader vision for AI and digital transformation.
He noted that AI has the potential to boost critical sectors, including healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and governance. “AI is not just another technology trend, but a significant catalyst for change,” he said, emphasizing the importance of building an inclusive, equitable, and human-centered digital future.
As part of Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to AI, the government has been investing heavily in infrastructure and talentdevelopment. The country is currently working on a national AI strategy, which is undergoing a comprehensive review process to ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of various stakeholders.
This strategy includes an AI talent accelerator and a $2 billion investment in a 90,000-kilometer fiber optic network across the country.
Dr. Tijani also highlighted recent government initiatives aimed at enhancing data security and ethics in AI, as well as facilitating AI research and entrepreneurship.
“For us, artificial intelligence is not just about its development; it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their location, socio-economic background, age, or gender, has access to the opportunities that AI offers,” he said.
Through partnerships with organizations like Google, Microsoft, and 21st Century Technologies, Nigeria is striving in AI development in Africa. The establishment of a multilingual large language model and the digitization of national archives backed by AI were mentioned as key examples of how AI is already making an impact in the country.
In closing, Dr. Tijani said, “We are grateful to Google for their support in launching the AI Fund, which represents a significant commitment to nurturing the next generation of AI-driven solutions in Nigeria.”
