• The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Google, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking N100 million AI Fund
• This strategic partnership is designed to foster technological advancement and drive growth within Nigeria’s digital economy
• Successful applicants will be announced in October 2024

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Google, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking N100 million AI Fund, aimed at propelling innovation within the country’s startup ecosystem. 

This initiative, spearheaded by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), is set to support Nigerian startups that are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop transformative solutions across various industries.

The AI Fund will provide selected startups with up to N10 million in funding, alongside access to Google’s suite of AI tools, mentorship, and its extensive global network. This strategic partnership is designed to foster technological advancement and drive growth within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasised the significance of the initiative On Tuesday, September 10.

“The AI Fund is a significant step in nurturing homegrown innovation and driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. By supporting our startups, we are investing in the future of our nation,” Tijani remarked.

The fund is open to Nigerian-based startups that focus on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for substantial impact. Applications for the AI Fund are currently being accepted, and successful candidates will be announced in October 2024.

Dr. Bunmi Ajala, National Coordinator of NCAIR, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative. 

“Our partnership with Google reflects our shared vision for Nigeria’s technological dvancement. The AI Fund is designed to empower our entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create impactful AI solutions. We are excited to see the transformative innovations that will emerge from this program,” Ajala stated.

Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, reiterated the tech giant’s commitment to the initiative. 

“Google’s support for the AI Fund is part of our broader mission to enhance digital capabilities across Africa. We are committed to providing Nigerian startups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to innovate and succeed on a global stage,” Balogun said.

Eligible startups must meet specific criteria to apply: they should be headquartered in Nigeria, have at least one Nigerian founder, focus on developing scalable AI-driven solutions, and possess a live product demonstrating early traction and market fit.

Interested startups can apply through the designated application portal. A rigorous selection process will ensure that promising ventures with innovative AI solutions and high potential for impact are chosen.

Successful applicants will be announced in October 2024, with the program set to officially commence shortly thereafter, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey towards technological excellence and digital innovation.

To apply for the fund, startups can visit the NCAIR website here.

Customs and Immigration agencies to advance use of technology at Nigerian borders

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that in a joint effort to boost cross-border trade and improve security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) were set to implement advanced technology in border towns.

Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), discussed how border security was quickly transforming and its growing importance in addressing issues related to trans-border trade, migration, and crime at the West Africa Border Security Week that recently concluded in Lagos on Tuesday, September 3.