• Israel has pledged deeper collaboration with Nigeria in artificial intelligence development
• Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman said Israel aims to become a global AI leader and is willing to share its expertise with Nigeria
• Israel plans to expand AI cooperation beyond existing initiatives and engage more closely with the Nigerian government and citizens

The Israeli government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in the field of artificial intelligence, with a focus on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp 2026 in Abuja on Thursday, June 4, Israel's Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said Israel is prepared to share its expertise in AI as part of ongoing and future collaborations with Nigeria.

The four-day bootcamp, organised by Innov8 Hub under the theme "From Ideas to Impact: Building AI-Enabled Ventures for the Future," brought together startup founders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers to explore the role of artificial intelligence in business development.

Addressing participants, Freeman revealed that Israel has adopted an ambitious strategy aimed at becoming one of the world's leading AI-powered nations.

"We are going all in on AI. We are going to be one of the world leaders in AI within the next few years," he said.

The ambassador stressed that Israel intends to share its growing expertise with Nigeria through existing initiatives and new partnerships.

"We want to share that knowledge where we can with Nigeria, primarily through Innov8, but through other places," Freeman stated, adding that the recently concluded programme marks the beginning rather than the end of such engagements.

He further pledged that Israel would continue exploring opportunities to collaborate with Nigeria in areas that promote technological advancement and economic development.

According to him, the partnership will extend beyond the current IFAIR programme and involve wider engagement with both the Nigerian government and citizens.

"This is an extension of the partnership that was already going, but it's the beginning of a serious partnership that we're going to look to do in the field of AI," he said.

Freeman also addressed concerns that artificial intelligence could lead to widespread job losses. Instead, he argued that AI should be viewed as a tool capable of creating new employment opportunities and improving business productivity.

"AI not only doesn't take away jobs; it's going to help you create jobs," he said. 

"It's a tool that can be used to make your products better, to make you better, and to allow you to build more successful businesses."

He noted that greater participation by Africans in AI development would help ensure that the continent's perspectives and priorities are reflected in emerging technologies.

"The more that you use AI and the more that you engage with AI, the more there will be an African voice in AI, the more there will be a Nigerian voice in AI," he added.

The envoy also encouraged young Nigerians to pursue opportunities within the country, emphasising that Nigeria possesses the resources and potential needed for success.

"The message is that your future is in Nigeria," Freeman said.

"Everything you need to succeed, you can get here in Nigeria."

Also speaking at the event, Dor Yaakov of Unistream commended participants for developing innovative solutions to challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, sustainability, and community development.

He expressed confidence that some of the ideas emerging from the programme could eventually evolve into globally successful startups capable of solving problems for millions of people.

"This is why I'm sure that we will hear about startups from Nigeria that succeed around the world," Yaakov said.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Innov8 Hub, Gregory Ibe Jr., described the bootcamp as a strategic initiative aimed at helping entrepreneurs leverage AI to improve productivity while creating more jobs.

According to him, the programme focused on practical ways AI can expand economic opportunities rather than replace workers.

"This was a unique programme because the AI was designed to increase business productivity and create opportunities, not simply eliminate jobs," he said.

Ibe disclosed that approximately 20 teams participated in the training alongside Innov8 Hub personnel and expressed optimism that the collaboration between Nigeria and Israel would continue to grow.

The development comes as Nigeria and Israel continue discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including technology, security, healthcare, and economic development.

FG launches AI-powered GovGuideNigeria to simplify access to government services

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government unveiled GovGuideNigeria, a new artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to make access to government services and information easier for Nigerians.

According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, the platform is part of ongoing efforts to improve public service delivery through digital innovation and emerging technologies.

Tijani explained that the platform gives Nigerians easier access to information from over 35 federal ministries and more