Nigeria unveils AI strategy, targets West Africa leadership

Nigeria has on Tuesday April 14, 2025, launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to position itself as West Africa’s AI hub.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during the launch in Lagos.

He spoke at the unveiling of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Collective Industry (NAICI) on Tuesday.

Tijani said the strategy aimed to boost economic growth through Artificial Intelligence.

He explained that the AI strategy was developed with input from government, academia, and industry players.

“Nigeria’s model is unique and internationally recognised,” Tijani stated.

He added that Nigerian AI experts, home and abroad, contributed to the national strategy.

The minister confirmed that government had funded AI research and secured private sector partnerships.

Tijani noted Nigeria’s location, population, and economy made it ideal for AI development.

He said the strategy would guide other African countries and spur regional innovation.

The AI Collective will ensure ethics, safety, and inclusion in AI deployment.

Tijani stressed the need for collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

He said Nigeria still lagged behind despite leading some innovations.

“AI may widen productivity gaps between countries,” he warned.

He urged stakeholders to unite to bridge the divide.

Tijani expressed optimism about Nigeria’s AI potential if current momentum continued.

CEO of Data Science Nigeria, Dr. Olubayo Akanmbi, outlined key areas for the AI Collective.

These include sector innovation, policy advocacy, research, and international collaboration.

Akanmbi said the group would support startups and form industry-specific AI networks.

He stressed ethical AI use and engagement with global innovation hubs.

He also launched Diaspora Connect to involve Nigerians abroad in AI development.

The platform will link experts to drive innovation locally.

Akanmbi urged industry champions in telecoms, health, education, fintech, and agriculture to join.

Dean, Information Systems, Lagos Business School, Dr. Olayinka David-West, officially opened NAICI.

She said Nigeria’s AI plan rested on five key pillars.

These include infrastructure, responsible AI, adoption, governance, and building a world-class ecosystem.

David-West said AI must improve education, health, and citizens’ lives.

The strategy has 12 goals and 34 national initiatives.

She stressed that responsible governance must ensure no Nigerian is left behind.

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