The Nigeria AI Collective was a prominent participant at DataFest Africa 2025, the continent's premier event for artificial intelligence professionals, innovators, startups, and researchers. This significant gathering, held in Lagos, attracted over 3,000 in-person attendees and connected thousands more virtually, establishing itself as a central forum for advancing Africa's AI development objectives.
Operating under the theme “AI in Africa: Solving Today’s Problems, Building Tomorrow’s Systems,” DataFest Africa 2025 featured more than 50 prominent speakers. The event also included a hackathon focused on addressing genuine African challenges, live product demonstrations from leading AI companies, and cross-border networking sessions designed to foster connections among Africa's most talented AI minds.
Key Initiatives Announced by the Nigeria AI Collective
During DataFest Africa 2025, the Nigeria AI Collective unveiled a series of strategic initiatives designed to accelerate AI innovation, foster collaboration, and enhance capacity building throughout Nigeria. These initiatives include:
- •National AI Repository: This project aims to create a centralized platform for datasets, AI solutions, and relevant events, thereby promoting collaboration and the open sharing of knowledge within Nigeria's AI ecosystem.
- •National AI Hackathon: Utilizing a dataset comprising 3,000 hours of curated Nigerian language data, this hackathon is intended to spur the development of AI solutions that are deeply rooted in local context and cultural nuances.
- •AI Research and Innovation Showcase: This segment will highlight pioneering work undertaken by researchers from the National AI Collective and AI Fellows affiliated with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Lagos Business School.
- •Startup Engagement Opportunities: The Collective has opened applications for innovators and emerging AI startups to join its Startups Community. This program is structured to encourage collaboration, mentorship, and overall ecosystem growth.
Vision for AI-Driven National Transformation
Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and CEO of Data Science Nigeria, and an implementing partner of the Nigeria AI Collective, whose remarks were delivered by Oluwaseun Nifemi, stated:
“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.”
These initiatives reflect the Nigeria AI Collective's core mission to cultivate a sustainable, inclusive, and ethical AI ecosystem. The goal is to empower innovators, bridge the gap between research and practical application, and solidify Nigeria's position as a leading force in responsible AI development across the continent.
About the Nigeria AI Collective
The Nigeria AI Collective is a groundbreaking community of practice committed to ensuring that the development and adoption of AI in Nigeria are conducted in a manner that is safe, ethical, and produces impactful results. The Collective was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, and it operates within an established policy framework that supports responsible AI governance and innovation.
Key supporters of the Collective include Luminate, the Ford Foundation, and the Al Collaborative. The operational management is handled by Data Science Nigeria, Lagos Business School, and the Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development, with coordination provided by the Policy Innovation Centre.
The Collective's fundamental mission is to drive ethical AI governance, foster innovation, and build capacity. This empowers Nigeria to actively shape the future of AI, both within its borders and on a global scale. Through strategic partnerships involving civil society, academia, and the broader AI ecosystem, the Collective advocates for AI that serves the public good, informs policy development, and promotes responsible adoption.