Nigeria Breaks Barriers With Africa’s First Multilingual Large Language Model

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Communications Minister, disclosed a partnership between 21st Century Technologies and Galaxy Backbone aimed at accelerating the advancement of crucial artificial intelligence projects for the nation.

Nigeria’s government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has introduced the country’s inaugural multilingual large language model (LLM) in its drive to assume a leading role in artificial intelligence (AI) development across Africa.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Communications Minister, announced on April 19th that the launch of the LLM followed a four-day AI workshop held earlier that week in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Tijani outlined that the introduction of the AI tool was made possible through a collaboration involving Nigerian AI firm Awarritech, global tech company DataDotOrg, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR).

Following four days of collaborative efforts involving over 120 AI experts, Nigeria unveiled its initial draft of the National AI Strategy, alongside significant advancements and partnerships geared towards advancing the nation’s AI development.

Notable among these announcements was a partnership between 21st Century Technologies, Galaxy Backbone, and NCAIR Nigeria, aimed at accelerating the progress of vital artificial intelligence initiatives for the country.

21st Century Technologies will finance the acquisition of GPUs to bolster national computing capacity, supporting local researchers, startups, and government bodies in AI endeavors hosted at the GBB Data Centre in the FCT.

Throughout the workshop, the Minister unveiled the re-launch of NCAIR, a specialized entity aimed at advancing AI, robotics, UAV, and IoT research and their practical applications across Nigeria’s key sectors. He emphasized that the bolstered capacity at NCAIR would enhance its effectiveness as a hub for digital innovation and research.

Tijani disclosed that the National AI Strategy secured $3.5 million in seed funding from various partners, both local and foreign. Notable contributors include UNDP, UNESCO, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Luminate, Lagos Business School, Data Science Nigeria, NITDA, and other agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

This funding comprises $1.5 million in direct support, supplemented by an additional $2 million investment from 21st Century Technologies into the pilot program.

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