The Federal Executive Council (FEC), led by President Bola Tinubu, approves two initiatives to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy:
- the Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project
- the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Trust.
This initiative, leveraging a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funding model, will improve access to digital services, spur economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life.
Both initiatives align with the Infrastructure pillar of the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint and complement Project Bridge, the government’s ambitious plan to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable nationwide.
The Nigeria Universal Communication Access Project is designed to bridge the digital divide by providing connectivity to over 21 million Nigerians in underserved areas. Meanwhile, the National AI Trust aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of AI innovation.
Alongside the connectivity drive, the National AI Trust aims to establish Nigeria as a key player in AI innovation. The initiative is designed to foster the development and ethical use of AI technologies in the country.
With AI rapidly shaping industries worldwide, Nigeria is positioning itself to leverage AI-driven solutions for economic and social advancements.
By fostering trust in AI technologies and creating an enabling environment for AI-driven solutions, the initiative is expected to drive job creation and economic expansion. AI applications could revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education.
In line with these efforts, Nigeria recently launched “Service-Wise GPT,” an AI-powered tool designed to enhance public service efficiency. This AI assistant streamlines access to critical government information automates policy drafting and improves administrative workflows.
Benefits to businesses and startups
Additionally, the establishment of Wini University, Nigeria’s first AI-focused institution in Epe, Lagos, aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, is part of the government’s commitment to leverage AI for digital transformation.
A report titled “The Digital Opportunity of Sub-Saharan Africa” projects that AI could contribute over $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy in the next decade. Nigeria is actively developing its National AI Strategy to harness AI’s potential for economic growth and problem-solving.
For businesses and startups, these initiatives present immense opportunities. Enhanced connectivity will allow enterprises to reach new markets, streamline operations, and explore innovative solutions.
The AI Trust positions Nigeria as an attractive destination for AI research and development, enabling startups to create scalable AI-based solutions for local and international markets.
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The FEC’s approval of these digital transformation projects signals Nigeria’s dedication to building a robust digital economy. By expanding digital access and fostering AI innovation, the country is well-positioned to drive economic growth, enhance global competitiveness, and create a more inclusive digital future.
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