New AI Accelerator Programme Aims to Empower Tech Startups in Agriculture, Health, Education & Finance
Meta has partnered with Nigeria’s NITDA and NCAIR to launch the Nigeria AI Accelerator Programme, supporting startups that build AI solutions for sectors including agriculture, health, education, and finance. Supported by the Lagos state and federal government, the initiative will run August–December 2025. Applications close July 12. This reflects Nigeria’s push to become a regional AI hub through equity, access, and innovation.
The Nigeria AI Accelerator Programme, a joint effort by Meta, the Federal Ministry of Communications, NITDA, NCAIR, and Lagos, was officially launched this month. The initiative offers technical resources, mentorship, and support to early-stage startups focused on AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, finance, security, and "wild‑card" innovation areas using open-source Llama models.
Participants will undergo a six-week incubation, followed by six months of continued support, culminating in a December demo day. Meta's goal is to make open-source AI tools accessible for local challenges and to position Nigeria as a leader in ethical AI development.
Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
