Nigeria's
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has
launched the Nigeria AI Collective, an initiative aimed at advancing artificial
intelligence in the country. The innovative community brings together experts
from various sectors to ensure AI's safe and ethical use in society.
The Nigeria AI
Collective reflects the country's unique and inclusive ecosystem approach to
developing and deploying AI for the greater good. Its objectives include
knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, innovation, research, capacity building,
and international collaboration.
Three
organizations will manage the AI Collective: Lagos Business School, Data
Science Nigeria, and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.
These entities will lead research activities, coordinate AI governance, and
spearhead entrepreneurship initiatives.
The launch of
the Nigeria AI Collective has received significant support, particularly from
Luminate, which has committed $1.5 million to support Nigeria's AI ecosystem
development. This initiative sets a standard for other countries looking to
build capacity in AI for transformational change.
The Nigeria AI
Collective's approach is like the inclusive method used in developing the
National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), which brought together 120 AI
experts of Nigerian descent. This collaborative effort demonstrates Nigeria's
commitment to responsible AI development and deployment.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
