Nigeria has created an artificial intelligence (AI) research scheme to provide financial assistance to companies and researchers focusing on AI. This initiative will provide funds to 45 qualified companies and researchers to help their projects progress.
The initiative was announced by Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, when he opened the competition. The fundamental objective of this program is to promote wider use of AI in order to enhance Nigeria's global competitiveness.
According to the plan, agriculture, education and workforce, finance, government, healthcare, public services and sustainability are among the focus areas of this research project.
To be eligible for a grant, applicants must partner with a startup or technology company, a Nigerian university researcher, or a foreign researcher.
Your research proposal must be relevant to the government's AI priorities. Applicants must also submit a proposal that describes in detail their initiative and its potential economic impact on Nigeria.
“We launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme to fund 45 consortiums of startups and researchers to enable them to explore more opportunities to further their work and build a sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria,” the Minister said while announcing the debut of scheme. “We are encouraging AI researchers and companies to apply for grants of up to 5 million Naira as part of our ministry’s efforts to promote innovation, increase efficiency in crucial sectors and position Nigeria as a global hub for application of AI technology.”
The application period for this scheme started on 13th October 2023 and will end on 15th November 2023. All applications must be submitted through the approved internet channel provided by the Ministry. An assessment panel of AI professionals will review proposals, and shortlisted candidates will be notified via email and invited for interviews
