Nigeria AI Collective Unveils Bold Initiatives for AI Innovation and Collaboration at DataFest Africa 2025
The Nigeria AI Collective took centre stage at DataFest Africa 2025, Africa’s largest gathering of AI practitioners, innovators, startups, and researchers. The landmark event, held in Lagos, attracted over 3,000 in-person participants and thousands more online, cementing its role as the continent’s leading platform for advancing Africa’s AI development agenda.
Showcasing Africa’s AI Potential
Held under the theme “AI in Africa: Solving Today’s Problems, Building Tomorrow’s Systems,” DataFest Africa 2025 featured over 50 renowned speakers, a pan-African hackathon, live product demos from top AI companies, and vibrant cross-border networking sessions connecting the continent’s brightest AI minds.
During the event, the Nigeria AI Collective announced a series of strategic initiatives designed to accelerate AI innovation, collaboration, and capacity building across Nigeria.
Key Initiatives Announced by the Nigeria AI Collective
1. National AI Repository
A centralised, open-access platform that houses datasets, solutions, and AI-related events, designed to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration across Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.
2. National AI Hackathon
An inclusive competition leveraging over 3,000 hours of curated Nigerian language datasets to develop AI solutions grounded in local culture and context, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world impact.
3. AI Research and Innovation Showcase
An exhibition featuring breakthrough projects from Nigeria AI Collective researchers and AI Fellows from partner institutions such as the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Lagos Business School.
4. Startup Engagement and Collaboration
The Collective officially opened applications for AI startups and innovators to join its Startups Community, providing mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and ecosystem support to accelerate AI-driven entrepreneurship.
Shaping a Future of Ethical and Inclusive AI
“What we’re doing with the Nigeria AI Collective is much bigger than technology; it’s about shaping a future where AI becomes a force for national transformation. By nurturing local talent, building homegrown solutions, and creating platforms for collaboration, we’re proving that Nigeria can lead in designing AI that truly serves its people and the continent at large.”
— Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and CEO, Data Science Nigeria (represented by Oluwaseun Nifemi)
These initiatives reinforce the Nigeria AI Collective’s mission to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and ethical AI ecosystem, one that empowers innovators, bridges research and application, and positions Nigeria as a continental leader in responsible AI development.
Driving Responsible AI Governance and Collaboration
The Nigeria AI Collective was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy to ensure that AI development and adoption in Nigeria remain safe, ethical, and impactful. The organisation operates within a policy environment that encourages responsible AI governance, innovation, and capacity building.
Supported by Luminate, Ford Foundation, and the AI Collaborative, the Collective is managed by Data Science Nigeria, Lagos Business School, and the Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development (CJID), and coordinated by the Policy Innovation Centre.
Empowering Nigeria to Lead Africa’s AI Future
The Nigeria AI Collective’s mission is to drive ethical AI governance, innovation, and capacity building, empowering Nigeria to shape the future of artificial intelligence both locally and globally. Through strategic collaboration among civil society, academia, policymakers, and industry, the Collective champions AI for the public good, policy development, and responsible adoption.
As DataFest Africa 2025 demonstrated, Nigeria is not only participating in the global AI revolution—it is leading Africa’s charge toward responsible, homegrown innovation that transforms lives and drives inclusive growth.
