The Federal Government in partnership with Meta, has launched the Llama Impact Accelerator, an eight-month programme designed to support early-stage startups in developing impactful artificial intelligence (AI) solutions tailored to local challenges.
The initiative is a collaboration between Meta, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The accelerator includes a six-week incubation phase offering selected startups technical training and mentorship from AI experts and industry leaders.
This is followed by six months of extended support, including access to resources and development opportunities aimed at helping innovators build scalable, homegrown AI solutions.
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada stated that ‘The Llama Impact Accelerator’ is designed to empower local talent and drive national development through responsible and inclusive AI.
“We’re excited to work with the Nigerian government to foster innovation and make open-source AI more accessible to address real-world problems”, Dada said
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, described the partnership as a significant milestone in the government’s effort to build a thriving AI ecosystem in Nigeria.
“This initiative aligns with our broader national goals to harness technology for socio-economic growth and development,” he said.
The accelerator is part of Meta’s broader commitment to democratizing access to AI tools and supporting local innovation. It also reflects the government’s strategic agenda to position Nigeria as a regional leader in AI and digital transformation by engaging with public, academic, and civil society stakeholders.
Through this initiative, the partners aim to advance inclusive AI development and unlock new opportunities for innovation, job creation, and digital advancement across Nigeria
