from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – THE launch of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Artificial Intelligence (MSME AI) Master Trainer Programme in Nigeria has been hailed as a boost to an inclusive, innovation-driven AI ecosystem in the country.
The initiative, launched through a two-day workshop that began on Monday and organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), InnoPower and the Economic Community of West African States Small Business Coalition (ESBC), aims to empower Nigerians, strengthen the nation’s and the region’s digital economy, and position the country as a leader in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.
Launched at the United Nations House in Abuja, the programme aims to upskill 250 regional master trainers tasked with deploying practical AI tools to support and digitise 12 500 small businesses across West Africa.
Oladejo Olawumi, NITDA Director of Digital Development Services, who presided over the launch, described AI as a transformative technology reshaping economies, governance, education and industries worldwide while creating new opportunities for sustainable development.
“Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to harness these opportunities through the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which prioritises the development of AI infrastructure, the growth of a world-class innovation ecosystem, wider adoption of AI across critical sectors, responsible and trustworthy AI development, and a governance framework that ensures the technology serves the public good.”
Olawumi said Nigeria’s ambition extended beyond adopting emerging technologies to developing indigenous AI solutions capable of addressing national and global challenges.
He highlighted the need to build sovereign digital infrastructure, preserve indigenous languages within AI systems and expand digital literacy.
This, he said, would enable citizens to participate actively in the digital economy.
The official called for greater collaboration to accelerate AI development.
He commended InnoPower for convening stakeholders for the workshop.
InnoPower is an AI education and talent development organisation focused on building digital capacity, expanding AI literacy and driving economic growth, particularly across underserved communities and the African continent.
– CAJ News