Meta has partnered with the Nigerian government to launch Rama Impact Accelerator, an eight-month artificial intelligence (AI) program aimed at supporting Nigerian startups.
In a statement Monday, Meta said the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robots (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Tech Giant said the program is open to startups to leverage open source llama models to develop AI-driven tools in four areas: wildcard categories for agriculture, safety, safety, healthcare and other high impact sectors.
According to META, the program begins with a six-week incubation phase, during which the selected team receives technical training and guidance from AI experts and industry leaders.
It added that the incubation phase will be followed by six months of extended support, including access to technical resources and additional development opportunities.
Sade Dada, head of public policy for Meta at Anglophone West Africa, said the company is focusing on driving comprehensive innovation through its strategic partnerships.
“We aim to promote national development and enable the development of solutions that impact the community by making open source AI more accessible and related to local challenges,” she said.
Speaking about collaboration, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, described the program as a timely investment in the AI ecosystem.
“We consider AI to be an important driver of national development, and this program by Meta will equip innovators with the right tools and guidance to tackle some of the most pressing issues,” he added.
Program applications will be open until June 27th, 2025. Interested participants can apply here.
