A newly launched initiative focused on advancing artificial intelligence in Nigeria, called Nigeria AI Collective, has received a welcome boost in the form of $1.5 million, from global philanthropic organisation Luminate.

The announcement about the initiative and funding was made by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, via a post on his X handle.

Tijani highlighted the need for Nigeria to assume a leading role in shaping the future of AI and noted the $1.5 million funding from Luminate, which was started by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. The initiaitve is expected to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.

The minister said: “Nigeria AI Collective is an inclusive forum dedicated to knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and capacity-building, ensuring that AI contributes positively to society while adhering to ethical standards.”

Launched in Abuja, the Nigeria AI Collective aims to promote safe and ethical AI practices, fostering collaboration among civil society, academia, and the technology sector. The initiative is designed to drive innovation and stimulate economic growth in Nigeria.

“The AI Collective’s collaborative approach will help ensure Nigeria is not only part of the global AI conversation but also positioned as a leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence for positive societal impact,” noted Tijani.

The formation of the Nigeria AI Collective aligns with the earlier development of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which was crafted with input from 120 Nigerian AI experts. Stakeholder engagement is currently underway to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the future of AI in the country as part of the strategy.

In collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Nigeria AI Collective will be managed by three key organisations. The Lagos Business School will lead research activities and AI training, Data Science Nigeria will focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, while the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development will oversee AI governance.

As industries worldwide increasingly turn to AI for growth, Nigeria is attempting to positioning itself at the forefront of this technological shift.