The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has teamed up with Meta to introduce the Llama Impact Accelerator, a strategic programme designed to support impactful AI development in Nigeria.
Announcing the initiative on Tuesday through Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Ms. Sade Dada, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani emphasized that the collaboration is a milestone in the nation’s mission to build a robust AI ecosystem for sustainable development.
He highlighted the government’s belief in AI’s potential to solve key national issues, with the accelerator set to provide innovators with essential tools and expert mentorship.
“This initiative forms part of Meta’s broader effort to democratise responsible AI and foster local innovation across Nigeria’s growing technology landscape,” Tijani said.
He further explained that partnerships with academia, civil society, and government institutions would ensure the growth of an inclusive and forward-thinking AI community in Nigeria.
Dada revealed that Meta is working alongside the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to implement the programme.
Targeted at early-stage startups, the eight-month accelerator seeks solutions built with Meta’s open-source Llama models to address issues in agriculture, healthcare, security and safety, and a ‘wild card’ category that welcomes bold, high-impact ideas across any field.
“The wild card category encourages bold and creative AI applications that could bring substantial impact to underserved sectors,” Dada stated.
The programme begins with a six-week incubation period featuring technical training and mentorship from AI experts. This will be followed by six months of extended support, granting startups access to resources that facilitate scaling and long-term growth.
Meta expressed excitement about the partnership, underscoring Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem and emerging AI talent. The company’s goal is to empower local communities by equipping them with open-source tools tailored to Nigeria’s development needs.
What you should know
The Llama Impact Accelerator, a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech ministry and Meta, aims to support AI startups addressing national challenges using open-source tools. With training, mentorship, and extended technical support, the programme is set to fuel Nigeria’s AI-driven innovation for social impact.
