Meta and Nigerian Federal Government Launch Open Source Llama AI Accelerator

Meta & Nigerian Government Launch Llama Impact Accelerator to Solve National Challenges

Lagos, June 10, 2025 – In a major public-private collaboration, Meta has partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation &?Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to launch the Llama Impact Accelerator—an eight-month programme designed to empower early-stage startups deploying open-source Llama large-language models to address pressing national challenges .

programme overview

• Duration & Structure: The accelerator features a six-week incubation phase with intensive technical training and mentorship, followed by six months of ongoing support, including access to infrastructure, domain experts, and networking opportunities.
• Focus Areas: Startups will pitch AI solutions in key sectors—agriculture, security & safety, healthcare—as well as a wildcard category for transformative ideas in any other sector

Regional Reach

This initiative is part of Meta’s broader Sub-Saharan Africa Llama Impact Accelerator, with tailored programmes launching in Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa.

 Each local cohort will culminate in a Demo Day, where finalists present their solutions to a panel of policymakers, investors, and tech experts. Winners receive equity-free funding and six months of post-program support to refine products and prepare for scaling

Leadership Perspectives

• Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta, highlighted:

“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 be impactful for communities.”

• Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, emphasised:

“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.”

Strategic Impact

Meta's initiative aims to “democratize access to responsible AI and support local innovation”, fostering an inclusive, future-ready AI ecosystem in Nigeria and the wider region .

 The collaboration is expected to supercharge digital innovation in crucial sectors, laying groundwork for more sustainable economic growth.

Important Note: Applications for Nigeria’s cohort are open until June 27, 2025 .