The Nigerian government has partnered with Meta to launch the Nigeria AI Accelerator Programme, aimed at supporting startups that develop AI solutions for key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and financial services.
Run by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its research arm, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), the accelerator will provide technical resources, mentorship, and support to selected participants. The first cohort will run from August to December 2025.
Applications are open until July 12, with a final demo day scheduled for December.
This partnership reflects Nigeria’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence. In 2024, the government collaborated with Google on a ₦100 million AI fund and partnered with Luminate on a $1.5 million AI ecosystem initiative. Google also recently pledged $5.8 million for AI training in sub-Saharan Africa.
Meta’s involvement is expected to bring global expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s AI ecosystem, aligning with the government’s 2023 move to draft a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
“This initiative is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring Nigeria’s innovation economy remains globally competitive and inclusive,” said Communications Minister Bosun Tijani.
Nigeria continues to draw attention across Africa for its growing public-private tech collaborations, reinforcing its ambitions as an AI hub on the continent.
