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.
Charles Onu is the co-founder and CEO of Ubenwa Health, a Montreal-based startup using AI to analyze infant cries for early detection of health conditions. Since 2022, he has led Ubenwa’s pioneering efforts in infant diagnostics, working closely with pediatric hospitals worldwide.
Ubenwa was co-founded by Charles Onu, after moving from Nigeria to Canada in 2015. He earned his doctorate in Machine Learning at McGill University and conducted research at Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute. Onu’s vision for Ubenwa is shared with co-founders Samantha Latremouille, who holds a PhD in Experimental Medicine from McGill, and Innocent Udeogu. Together, they aim to leverage AI to support early and accessible diagnostics in infant health, addressing a significant gap in neonatal care for parents and healthcare providers alike
His foundational studies in Electronics and Computer Engineering were completed at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria (2006-2011). In addition, he attended the AI Stream at Creative Destruction Lab (2020-2021), further expanding his expertise in AI-driven innovation.
Founded in 2017, Ubenwa is a healthcare AI startup that uses artificial intelligence to analyze infants’ cries and detect early signs of conditions like birth asphyxia. The company raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding in 2023.
