The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has initiated a strategic collaboration with Nkenne AI aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence–driven language translation and positioning Nigeria as a leading continental hub for AI innovation.
The engagement, held as part of NITDA’s broader digital transformation agenda, focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to bridge language barriers and expand digital inclusion across the country.
Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the National Director of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Dr. Bunmi Ajala, outlined the agency’s ambitious roadmap for Nigeria’s digital future. She highlighted NITDA’s target of achieving 70 percent digital literacy by 2027, developing a strong technology talent pipeline, and integrating AI solutions into public service delivery.
According to her, critical infrastructure such as high-performance computing systems including Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) alongside the government’s GovNet initiative, will play a vital role in empowering Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem and accelerating innovation.
Speaking during the engagement, Chief Executive Officer of Nkenne AI, Michael Odokara-Okigbo, emphasised the company’s commitment to localised innovation through sector-specific AI translation tools tailored for healthcare, fintech, and governance.
He noted that improved data processing standards and dedicated support for emerging startups would help bridge Nigeria’s linguistic divide in technology adoption and enhance accessibility for diverse populations.
The partnership underscored a shared commitment by both organisations to develop sustainable business models and digital infrastructure capable of driving long-term economic growth, innovation, and inclusive technological advancement across Nigeria.
