Meta, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has launched the Llama Impact Accelerator, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering homegrown, high-impact AI solutions in Nigeria.

The eight-month programme is designed to empower early-stage startups that leverage open-source Llama models—Meta’s family of large language models—to address pressing national and regional challenges. Four high-priority areas are being targeted: agriculture, security & safety, healthcare, and a wildcard category for innovative AI applications in other sectors with strong potential for impact.

With Nigeria’s growing reputation as a technology hub in Africa, the initiative is set to tap into the country’s expanding talent pool and innovation ecosystem. The programme will begin with a six-week incubation phase, offering selected teams technical training, mentorship from AI experts, and guidance from industry leaders. This will be followed by six months of extended support, providing continued access to resources, infrastructure, and development opportunities.

Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, described the launch as a significant step in bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI tools and real-world development needs in Nigeria.

“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,” Dada stated.

Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, also hailed the partnership, noting its alignment with the government’s digital transformation agenda.

“This partnership marks a major step forward in our mission to develop a thriving AI ecosystem in Nigeria,” Tijani said. “We see AI as a key driver for national development, and this programme by Meta will equip innovators with the right tools and guidance to tackle some of our most pressing issues.”

The initiative underscores Meta’s broader commitment to responsible AI development and inclusive innovation. By collaborating with public institutions, academic researchers, and civil society groups, Meta aims to ensure that AI technologies are not only scalable but also aligned with ethical and community-centered values.

Applications for the Llama Impact Accelerator are expected to attract startups and developers across Nigeria who are eager to use artificial intelligence to create lasting change.