Nigeria unveiled its initial large-scale multilingual language model (LLM) during an AI workshop in Abuja last week. The event was confirmed by Communications Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on Friday.
Announcement 3: Introducing Nigeria’s Premier Multilingual Large Language Model (LLM)! A collaborative effort between @awarritech, @DataDotOrg, @NITDANigeria, and @NCAIRNigeria. This advanced model will be instructed in five under-resourced Nigerian languages and more…
— Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) April 19, 2024
Tijani explained that the rollout of the AI tool was made possible through a partnership between Nigerian AI company Awarritech, global tech firm DataDotOrg, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Centre for AI and Robotics (NCAIR). The Minister added that approximately 120 AI specialists attended a workshop, resulting in the creation of a preliminary version of Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
Tijani announced that the National AI Strategy has secured initial investments totaling $3.5 million from various enthusiastic backers, such as UNDP, UNESCO, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Luminate, and Lagos Business School, among others.
The Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and departments falling under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Technology, andDigital Economy, will receive a total funding of $3.5 million. Of this amount, $1.5 million is a direct grant while an extra $2 million comes from 21st Century Technologies for the launch of the pilot project.
Furthermore, Tijani announced significant strides and alliances aimed at accelerating the growth of AI technology in Nigeria. Notably, this progress involves a collaboration between 21st Century Technologies, Galaxy Backbone, and NCAIR Nigeria, which will bolster nationally important AI projects.
Nigeria’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities and leading AI innovation in Africa is underscored by the introduction of its multilingual language model and the announcement of its National AI Strategy.
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2024-04-20 13:24