Social media platform, Meta, has entered into partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE), National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), to announce the launch of the Llama Impact Accelerator programme aimed at enabling the development of impactful AI solutions in Nigeria.
The eight-month programme, announced yesterday, is designed to support early-stage startups leveraging open-source Llama models to address key national and regional challenges across four high-priority areas, including agriculture, security & safety, healthcare, and a wild card category encouraging bold, original applications of AI in any other sector with high impact potential.
With a strong focus on open innovation, the programme includes a six-week incubation phase, where selected teams will receive technical training and mentorship from AI experts and industry leaders, followed by six months of extended support, including access to additional technical resources and opportunities.
Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, Sade Dada, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy to launch this AI Accelerator in Nigeria, a country with a robust innovation ecosystem.
“By making open-source AI more accessible and relevant to local challenges, we aim to enable the development of solutions that can drive national development and are impactful for communities.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said: “This partnership marks a major step forward in our mission to develop a thriving AI ecosystem in Nigeria.
“We see AI as a key driver for national development, and this programme by Meta will equip innovators with the right tools and guidance to tackle some of our most pressing issues.”
Safety Policy Manager, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET) at Meta, Sylvia Musalagani, said: “We are excited to bring these features to Nigeria and help families navigate online spaces safely.”
