The initiative was announced by Nigeria's digital economy minister, Bosun Tijani, who emphasized the importance of advancing AI in the nation.

Some Nigerian startups, like Clafiya, are already adopting AI technologies, such as implementing an AI-enabled WhatsApp chatbot for healthcare consultations.

As part of the initiative, ten startups will receive 10 million naira (approximately $6,000) each in equity-free funding.

This fund was introduced at a conference co-organized by the US State Department, aimed at supporting early-stage entrepreneurs focused on AI solutions.

A significant aspect of the plan includes training three million tech specialists to strengthen Nigeria's tech workforce.

The strategy aims to harness future technologies for local innovation, addressing specific challenges faced by Nigeria.

There is a notable rise in AI interest across Africa, with many governments beginning to formulate national strategies in response to external funding opportunities.

Additionally, a draft of Nigeria's national AI strategy was recently published, developed over a year in collaboration with Nigerian AI researchers.

Nigerian officials have launched a new investment fund for artificial intelligence, backed by Google, with the goal of stimulating interest in AI applications to tackle the country's development challenges.

Despite this optimism, challenges remain, as most African countries, including Nigeria, rank low on the International Monetary Fund's AI Preparedness Index, with Nigeria scoring only 34%.

Critics argue that the government should prioritize education and basic infrastructure over AI initiatives, highlighting a disconnect between technological advancement and the needs of underserved populations.

Optimism surrounding AI in Nigeria is bolstered by the historical success of digital technology in enhancing productivity, particularly in telecom and internet access since the early 2000s.