Meta officially launched the Llama Impact Accelerator in Nigeria on Tuesday. This eight-month programme aims to boost local AI innovation by supporting early-stage startups using open-source Llama models.
It is designed to empower Nigerian innovators to develop AI solutions addressing national challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, security, and other high-impact areas.
Government and Industry collaboration to drive AI development
The initiative is a partnership between Meta, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Minister Bosun Tijani emphasised the program’s role in Nigeria’s broader mission to build a thriving AI ecosystem and use AI as a tool for national development.
He stated, “This initiative forms part of Meta’s broader effort to democratise responsible AI and foster local innovation across Nigeria’s growing technology landscape.”
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada, highlighted the accelerator’s focus on equipping startups with technical training and mentorship from AI professionals during a six-week incubation phase, followed by six months of extended support.
This structure aims to help startups scale their innovations and tackle pressing challenges unique to Nigeria and the region.
Empowering startups with open-source AI tools and funding
The Llama Impact Accelerator targets startups with working prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs) that leverage Meta’s Llama large language models, which are open-source and optimised for efficiency. These models require less computational power, making them accessible to a broader range of developers.
Selected startups will receive equity-free funding of up to $25,000, access to workshops, hands-on technical training, and mentorship from industry experts.
Winners will also have the chance to pitch for additional funding of up to $100,000 at the Africa, Middle East, and Turkey (AMET) Llama Summit, along with eligibility for the Global Llama Impact Grant and other opportunities.
The program encourages innovation in four key sectors: agriculture, security and safety, healthcare, and a ‘wild card’ category that invites bold AI applications in underserved fields.
Sade Dada remarked, “The wild card category encourages bold and creative AI applications that could bring a substantial impact to underserved sectors.”
Applications are open until June 27, 2025, and the accelerator will launch in August 2025. Demo days will occur between September and October, followed by post-program support until March 2026.
This accelerator is part of Meta’s strategy to democratise AI and support Africa’s growing tech talent pool. It also aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to address youth unemployment and social challenges through technology-driven solutions, as over 10 million young Africans enter the job market annually with limited formal employment opportunities.
By providing infrastructure, mentorship, and funding, the Llama Impact Accelerator aims to unlock the potential of Nigerian startups to create responsible AI solutions tailored to local needs and challenges.