Nigeria Aims to Become African AI Hub with New Research Funding
Nigeria is making significant strides in its ambition to become a leading artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Africa. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, recently announced a major push to bolster AI research and development across the country. This initiative follows the publication of 20 AI compute research papers over the past two years, demonstrating Nigeria’s growing capacity in the field.
Investing in AI Research and Infrastructure
The Nigerian government, under Minister Tijani’s leadership, is launching a ₦75 million ($49,000) scheme to fund 75 new AI research projects, starting October 1. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will manage this program, targeting researchers, startups, established companies, and members of the Nigerian diaspora. Unveiled at GITEX Nigeria in Lagos, this funding aims to deepen Nigeria’s involvement in digital innovation and specifically strengthen its AI capabilities. Furthermore, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa revealed plans to construct hyperscale data centers in collaboration with major tech companies. This infrastructure development is considered crucial for supporting the growth and deployment of AI technologies within Nigeria.
This strategic investment in AI research and infrastructure underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and development, positioning itself as a key player in the African digital landscape.
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