Meta Platforms is expanding its AI initiatives in Nigeria and Africa to promote digital inclusion across the continent, the tech giant that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp has said at the Innovate AI 2025 Lagos Conference.
Sade Dada, Public Policy Manager for Anglophone West Africa and Connectivity and Innovation Policy Manager for Africa at at Meta Platforms, Inc. disclosed this on Friday at the the Innovate AI 2025 Lagos Conference organised by AI in Nigeria, where she highlighted the Facebook owners’ efforts to promote digital inclusion through AI.
The Meta Public Policy Manager emphasizes the tech company’s collaboration with governments and organisations to develop tools that empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.
While many tech innovations are often associated with urban centre like Lagos or Abuja, the Meta Policy Manager shares her experience at Anambra Innovation Week last year as evidence of impressive talent outside these hubs.
She undersocres a recent partnership between Meta Platforms and the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD), along with the governments of Nigeria and Senegal.
This collaboration, she adds, resulted in the launch of an AI application called Akili AI at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa. The Akili AI tool is designed to provide MSMEs with essential information needed for business development.
The development of Akili AI involved significant government support on both federal levels within Nigeria and within regional frameworks like the African Union. The government played a crucial role by providing access to necessary data related to business registration, funding resources such as banking services.
Meta utilised its large-language model called LAMA to integrate this data into Akili AI. By leveraging open-source AI models like LAMA, Meta aims to democratise access to technology solutions across Africa.
Dada notes that promoting open-source technologies allows developers from diverse backgrounds—beyond major cities—to build innovative applications using these platforms. For instance, Data Science Nigeria developed an educational app using Meta’s large-language model that delivers content in local languages tailored for Nigerian students nationwide.
While many tech innovations are often associated with urban centre like Lagos or Abuja, the Meta Policy Manager shares her experience at Anambra Innovation Week last year as evidence of impressive talent outside these hubs.
She emphasises that it is crucial for organisations like Meta Platforms Inc., along with state governments across Nigeria, to ensure awareness about available technologies so developers can create localised solutions addressing specific needs within their communities.
To foster innovation further, she adds that Meta offers initiatives such as the LAMA Impact Grant aimed at supporting projects built on its platforms. These funds are designed to encourage entrepreneurship by providing financial backing.
META works closely with local organisations not only on grants but also on skills training programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy among Nigerians across different states, according to Dada.
One notable initiative is what was previously known as Digital Community of Practice but now referred to as Learning—a network involving over 57 organizations dedicated solely towards improving digital literacy skills nationwide through targeted training sessions conducted locally throughout various regions within Nigeria itself.
As part of this effort, emphasis has been placed upon building foundational skills required both technically and socially amongst aspiring tech professionals via strategic partnerships established alongside influential bodies operating regionally.
Additionally they assist governmental entities when formulating strategies/policies concerning technological advancements happening domestically and continentally alike.
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