The research centers count as another step toward taking a leadership position in artificial intelligence (AI) development in Africa.
The Nigerian government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has unveiled plans to establish research centers focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to local media, this initiative was announced by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, during the opening of the IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos. Inuwa, represented by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Aristotle Onumo, emphasized the agency’s commitment to developing a strong technology research ecosystem.
The planned research centers will target critical areas, including IoT, blockchain technology, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), additive manufacturing, AI, and robotics. Inuwa said: