The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups in Nigeria marks an important milestone in the nation’s tech ecosystem.
With the recent announcement from the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, about a forthcoming $1.5 million initiative to bolster AI development, Nigeria is poised for an even more profound impact on the continent’s tech ecosystem.
Currently, Nigeria boasts over 400 AI firms and startups, making it the second-largest player in Africa’s AI landscape as of 2024.
This growth can be attributed to Nigeria’s strong technological foundation, which has made it a focal point for both domestic and global investors. The country is set to host GITEX in 2025.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges.
Just weeks prior, the Ministry launched a N100 million AI Fund in collaboration with Google, which faced criticism for its perceived inadequacy in fueling the AI revolution. In response, Minister Tijani emphasized that the government’s approach involves pooling resources and fostering partnerships to expand the capabilities of the AI sector.
The upcoming initiatives, including the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Trust, aim to ensure that AI development is ethical, safe, and sustainable, promoting local languages and community engagement in the process.
This holistic strategy not only seeks to improve the nation’s economy but also aims to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians through innovative applications of AI.
As we delve into the journeys of seven remarkable AI startup founders of Nigerian descent, we explore how their visions and contributions are shaping Africa’s $480 billion tech ecosystem, driving the narrative of a continent on the brink of an AI-driven future.
Udoka Mark is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and engineer with a background in leading transformative companies. Since December 2016, he has served as CEO of Intelia, an AI startup that redefines software development with a data-oriented engineering approach aimed at maximizing enterprise value while minimizing project risks.
Before Intelia, Udoka was CEO of Kinetic Base Inc. from April 2012 to March 2015, focusing on smart electronics and enterprise-grade software solutions. Under his leadership, Kinetic Base developed products that reimagined the interaction between consumers and banking institutions. Prior to that, from June 2008 to June 2013, he co-founded Cubix Labs in New York City with Salman Lakhani. Cubix, a high-tech company specializing in new media technology and social media, grew to an 85-person team with a global presence.
Udoka began his career as an electrical engineer at DuPont from June 2007 to June 2009, where he concentrated on plant design and programmable logic controllers. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Duke University and a Master’s in Engineering Management from Johns Hopkins University.
Intelia, a Lagos-based tech company, uses AI to track project progress in near real-time, Intelia reduces risks and boosts efficiency—a big draw for its clients. Major names like Walmart, Sony, DreamWorks Animation, and Heineken have tapped Intelia’s expertise to streamline their operations. Focused on using data science to improve how software is developed and delivered, Intelia is quickly becoming a trusted partner for both international brands and the local market.
