FG, Meta Launch Ambitious 8-Month AI Programme to Empower Nigerian Startups
Applications Open Until June 27, 2025
In a bold move to accelerate Nigeria’s position in the global AI landscape, the Federal Government has joined forces with tech giant Meta to unveil the Llama Impact Accelerator an eight-month artificial intelligence programme tailored to support local startups building impactful AI solutions.
The initiative, announced on Monday, is a collaboration between Meta and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Targeted at startups leveraging Meta’s open-source Llama AI models, the programme will support innovation in four critical sectors: agriculture, security and safety, healthcare, and a wildcard category for other high-impact industries.
Two-Phase Support for Innovation
The Llama Impact Accelerator will kick off with a six-week incubation phase, where selected startups will receive intensive technical training and mentorship from seasoned AI professionals and industry veterans.
Following this, participants will transition into a six-month support phase, during which they’ll have continued access to technical resources, expert guidance, and development tools to bring their solutions to life.
Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, emphasized the significance of the programme:
“By making open-source AI more accessible and tailored to local realities, we hope to empower startups to build solutions that not only innovate but also solve pressing societal challenges.”
Strategic Investment in Nigeria’s AI Future
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, hailed the programme as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
“We believe AI holds the power to reshape key sectors of our economy. This collaboration with Meta is timely it equips our brightest innovators with tools to drive real-world change,” he said.
Apply Now
Applications for the programme are currently open and will close on June 27, 2025. Aspiring startups ready to harness the power of AI for good are encouraged to apply via the official portal.
With Nigeria pushing to become a hub for AI innovation in Africa, the Llama Impact Accelerator may just be the launchpad for the country’s next wave of tech-driven transformation.
Reference
FG, Meta Launch Ambitious 8-Month AI Programme to Empower Nigerian Startups