Trends

Nigeria plans nationwide AI and blockchain research centres

AuthorZora Lin

Reading Time2 min

PublishedJuly 4, 2024

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Headline

Context

OUR TAKE In addition to funding research, NITDA supports Nigerian startups to develop products using emerging technologies. The agency plans to create innovation sandboxes to help startups develop use cases, build businesses, and bring products to market. –Zora Lin, BTW reporter According to local media reports, Kashifu Inuwa, Director general of the Nigerian government’s National Information Technology Development Authority ( NITDA ), announces the establishment of a nationwide AI and blockchain research centre at the opening of the iot West Africa Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.

Evidence

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Analysis

Aristotle Onumo, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, highlights the institution’s commitment to developing a strong technology research ecosystem. The planned research centres will target key areas, including the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, drones, additive manufacturing, AI and robotics. “We are setting up a special purpose vehicle that will study these key areas and set up research centres in six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to target these six key areas of emerging technologies,” Inuwa says. Also read: Samsung leaps forward with new AI centre and Apple hire Also read: Salesforce plans to launch its first AI centre in London

Key Points

NITDA plans to establish research centres in six geopolitical regions of the country focused on emerging technologies.
These research centres are another step towards Nigeria taking a leadership position in AI development in Africa.