The Nigerian government plans to award 45 businesses and researchers working in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) 5 million naira ($6,444), according to Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and the digital economy.The Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme, which was just created and is intended to make it easier for the general use of AI to spur economic progress, includes this effort, which the minister announced in a post on X (previously Twitter).
The focus areas of the program are as listed on its official website: agriculture, education and workforce, money, government, health care, utility, and sustainability.According to the ministry, candidates must join a partnership with a startup or tech firm, a Nigerian university researcher, or a foreign researcher in order to be considered for a grant.
Candidates should submit a research proposal that is in line with the fields of artificial intelligence that the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy is focusing on.Additionally, companies must provide a thorough plan that emphasizes the project’s potential economic impact on Nigeria.The expectation is that applicants will publish at least one peer-reviewed publication within a year of obtaining the funding and that they will have a demonstrated history of excellence in research or entrepreneurship.
The Nigerian government invited internationally known professionals who have worked in the Nigerian market as well as scientists with Nigerian ancestry in August to work with it to develop its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.Between October 13 and November 15, 2023, applicants may submit their applications.A group of experts in artificial intelligence will evaluate the recommendations, according to the government.