Meta, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has launched the Llama Impact Accelerator an eight-month artificial intelligence (AI) programme designed to support Nigerian startups leveraging AI to solve real-world challenges.
Announced on Monday, the initiative is being executed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The accelerator targets startups building tools with Meta’s open-source Llama models, focusing on four key areas:
- Agriculture
- Security and safety
- Healthcare
- A wildcard category for other high-impact sectors
The programme kicks off with a six-week incubation phase, during which selected teams will benefit from hands-on technical training and expert mentorship from leading AI professionals and industry figures.
Following incubation, participants will continue into a six-month extended support period, which includes access to additional technical resources and opportunities for further product development.
Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, said the initiative is part of the company’s commitment to fostering inclusive innovation through strategic local partnerships.
“By making open-source AI more accessible and relevant to local challenges, we aim to enable the development of solutions that can drive national development and are impactful for communities,” she said.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the collaboration as a timely boost to Nigeria’s growing AI ecosystem.
“We see AI as a key driver for national development, and this program by Meta will equip innovators with the right tools and guidance to tackle some of our most pressing issues,” the minister said.
Applications for the Llama Impact Accelerator are open until June 27, 2025. Startups interested in applying can do so via the official portal.
