Nigeria to establish AI and Blockchain Research Centers Nationwide

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) of the Nigerian government has announced plans to establish AI and blockchain research centers nationwide. 

The six geopolitical zones of Nigeria will host research centers for emerging technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), according to plans announced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). 

Local media reports state that NITDA's Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, made this announcement at the opening of the Internet of Things (IOT) West Africa Conference and Exhibition 2024 in Lagos. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy at NITDA, spoke on behalf of Inuwa, emphasizing the organization's dedication to building a robust ecosystem for technology research while delivering a keynote speech on "Embracing Emerging Technologies for a Digital Future." 

NITDA's research areas include robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, blockchain technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), additive manufacturing, and robotics. NITDA will also support Nigerian startups that are creating products using these emerging technologies, he added. 

To promote the expansion of new business in the technology sector, the organization wants to establish innovation sandboxes where startups can work on practical applications and commercialize their concepts, the statement added. 

Nigeria has the potential to become "Africa's Silicon Valley," stated Managing Director Shitij Taneja at the IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos. He added that the country is leading Africa in technological development due to its large youth population and thriving tech sector. 

Participants at the conference included government officials, business executives, visionaries, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other tech ecosystem stakeholders.

On May 3, 2023, Nigeria approved the National Blockchain Policy with the goal of promoting innovation and economic growth in the nation.

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