LAGOS, NIGERIA — Digital Equity Africa has launched two innovative artificial intelligence platforms, Bud AI and Future Minds, aimed at fostering safe, age-appropriate digital learning for children, during the first-ever Kids Tech Fest held at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event drew over 5,000 attendees, including children, parents, educators, and tech enthusiasts, and featured hands-on AI workshops, breakout sessions, and seminars on digital literacy, online safety, and responsible tech use.

Speaking at the summit, Justina Nnam Oha, CEO of Digital Equity Africa, described the two tools as critical steps toward bridging the digital divide for young Africans.

“Bud AI is a personalised learning companion for children aged six to 17. It includes features like parent-linked registration, activity monitoring, and regular performance feedback,” she explained.

She added that Bud AI was developed to not only support academic learning but also to ensure that parents remain actively involved in their children’s digital journey.

Meanwhile, Future Minds was introduced as an online AI community designed for children aged six to 16, providing a safe digital environment to explore artificial intelligence, develop creative projects, and enhance tech-related knowledge.

“This initiative is about building a generation of African children who are not just consumers of technology, but also creators and innovators,” Oha said.

The summit included age-specific sessions for children and tailored workshops for parents and educators. Topics ranged from cyberbullying prevention and plagiarism awareness to the ethics of artificial intelligence and safe tech habits at home and in schools.

Oha emphasized that the Lagos event is the first in a series of planned conferences across Nigeria. Digital Equity Africa, she said, is actively seeking partnerships with state governments and educational stakeholders to expand the programme nationwide.

“The energy at this event shows that Africa is ready. Our young people are eager to learn and create. We’re committed to taking this momentum further,” she concluded.

As AI continues to shape global education, Digital Equity Africa’s initiative positions Nigerian children at the forefront of digital innovation — one guided by safety, responsibility, and inclusion.