Through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Federal Government has partnered with Meta to launch the Nigeria AI Accelerator Programme—another significant step in Nigeria’s expanding efforts to position itself as an African hub for artificial intelligence.
The accelerator aims to support startups building AI-driven solutions tailored to the country’s economic and social challenges. It will be run by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its research arm, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).
According to the ministry, the programme will offer selected participants access to technical resources, mentorship, and a support system designed to refine AI use cases in sectors like agriculture, health, financial services, and education. The first cohort will run from August to December 2025.
This move strengthens Nigeria’s growing pattern of engaging Big Tech in national innovation efforts. In 2024, the government worked with Google to launch a ₦100 million AI fund that supported ten Nigerian startups. It was followed by a $1.5 million commitment with the support of Luminate, reinforcing the state’s intention to create sustainable AI ecosystems.
Google also announced that it’s ramping up its support for AI training in sub-Saharan Africa with a new $5.8 million commitment to equip the workforce with essential AI skills.
By teaming up with Meta, Nigeria is amplifying its presence on the global AI map. Meta’s involvement provides access to international best practices and a broader innovation network, helping local innovators keep pace with fast-changing developments in machine learning and generative AI.
The government’s long-term ambitions were outlined in 2023 when it commenced work on a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. That plan involved bringing together local and diaspora talent to develop an institutional framework for AI growth in Nigeria.
Speaking on the new accelerator, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, said the initiative is “not just about technology” but about ensuring that Nigeria’s innovation economy remains globally competitive and inclusive.
Applications are now open and will close by July 12, 2025. Shortlisted participants will engage in weeks of intensive mentorship and product development, culminating in a demo day in December.
The initiative is the latest in a string of partnerships that showcase Nigeria’s increasing appetite for public–private collaborations, especially in high-impact areas like artificial intelligence. As other African countries watch closely, Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional AI leader with strong support from global tech players.
