Nigerian Government Debuts AI Tool with Multilingual Capabilities

In a significant move for artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa, the Nigerian government, through its Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has launched its first multilingual large language model (LLM). This initiative was announced by the Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the end of a four-day AI workshop in Abuja, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a leader in AI development on the continent.

The Multilingual AI Tool

The newly launched AI tool is designed to support multiple languages, including five low-resource languages and accented English. This focus on linguistic diversity aims to improve the representation of underrepresented languages in AI datasets, thus enhancing the inclusivity and applicability of AI solutions in Nigeria and beyond.

The AI model, developed in collaboration with local AI firm Awarritech, international tech company DataDotOrg, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s AI capabilities. The initiative also includes contributions from over 120 AI experts who participated in drafting Nigeria’s National AI Strategy during the workshop.

Funding and Collaborations

The project has secured $3.5 million in seed funding from various international and local partners. Key contributors include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Meta, Google, Microsoft, Luminate, Lagos Business School, and Data Science Nigeria. This funding comprises $1.5 million in direct support and an additional $2 million invested by 21st Century Technologies into the pilot program.

These resources will support the purchase of advanced computing hardware, such as GPUs, to enhance the national computing capacity. This infrastructure is housed at the GBB Data Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, facilitating local researchers, startups, and government entities in their AI projects.

National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR)

As part of this initiative, the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR) has been relaunched with enhanced capabilities. NCAIR is now equipped with over 2,500 virtual CPUs and 1 petabyte of storage, significantly boosting its capacity to conduct cutting-edge AI research and development. This renovation positions NCAIR as a central hub for digital innovation in Nigeria, supporting projects of national importance and fostering a robust AI ecosystem.

Strategic Objectives and International Support

The primary objective of the multilingual AI tool is to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global AI landscape. By focusing on low-resource languages, the tool aims to democratize AI, making it accessible and beneficial to a broader segment of the population. This approach aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader strategy to leverage AI for economic development, improved governance, and social inclusion.

Furthermore, the initiative has garnered significant international interest. The United States, for instance, has expressed a keen interest in partnering with Nigeria to promote AI development. This collaboration is expected to enhance economic ties and ensure the safe, transparent, and effective deployment of AI technologies.

Future Prospects and Economic Impact

The launch of the multilingual AI tool and the development of the National AI Strategy mark a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a leading AI hub in Africa. The government’s proactive approach in fostering AI research, combined with substantial international support, sets the stage for significant advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture.

By building a strong foundation in AI, Nigeria aims to drive innovation, create job opportunities, and enhance its global competitiveness. The successful implementation of this strategy will not only benefit the Nigerian economy but also serve as a model for other African nations looking to harness the power of AI for sustainable development.

Conclusion

The debut of Nigeria’s multilingual AI tool underscores the country’s dedication to advancing AI technology and promoting digital inclusion. With substantial funding, international collaborations, and a clear strategic vision, Nigeria is well-positioned to lead AI innovation in Africa. The ongoing efforts to enhance AI capabilities and infrastructure will likely yield significant economic and social benefits, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as a key player in the global AI landscape.