Facebook’s parent company, Meta has collaborated 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 launch the Llama Impact Accelerator programme aimed at developing impactful AI solutions in Nigeria.
The 8-month programme is designed to support early-stage startups across the country.
The Llama Impact Accelerator initiative is set to leverage open-source Llama models to tackle vital national and regional challenges across 3 key areas, including Agriculture, Security & Safety, and Healthcare.
With full concentration on open innovation, the program includes a 6-week incubation phase, where specific teams will undergo technical training and mentorship from AI experts and industry leaders, followed by 6 months of added suppor,t which will include access to additional technical resources and opportunities.
According to the Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, Sade Dada, the company is pleased to partner with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy on the project because Nigeria is a country with a robust innovation ecosystem.
He believes that Meta can provide Nigeria with solutions that will trigger national development and impact local communities.
“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,” he said.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy of Nigeria, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed that the partnership will further help to develop a thriving AI ecosystem across the nation.
He concluded by saying that Nigeria sees AI as a key driver for national development, hence the decision to embrace the programme.
“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 program by Meta will equip innovators with the right tools and guidance to tackle some of our most pressing issues,” he added.
