Federal Government launches Nigeria AI Scaling Hub and $7.5 million fund for public sector innovation
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence AI Scaling Hub NAISH and introduced the Scaling AI for Development Challenge to accelerate AI adoption in public institutions. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, unveiled the initiative in Abuja, stating it aims to build a globally competitive AI ecosystem to address Nigeria's development challenges. NAISH, in partnership with the ministry, is supported by a $7.5 million commitment from the Gates Foundation. This funding will provide technical assistance, computing infrastructure, policy support, and strategic partnerships for three years to advance AI innovations from pilot stages to nationwide implementation. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between government institutions and Nigerian AI innovators by supporting the large-scale deployment of proven AI solutions, particularly in healthcare, education, and agriculture. Innovators participating will receive free access to national AI computing infrastructure, reducing the cost of training AI models. The SAID Challenge will identify mature AI solutions developed by Nigerian innovators and connect them with the public sector. Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School and Director of NAISH, noted the hub will help government agencies identify AI-ready problems and provide startups with deployment pathways. Mr. Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director of the Gates Foundation, emphasized that
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