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.
SeamlessHR was founded in 2018, by Emmanuel Okeleji co-founded SeamlessHR alongside his friend Deji Lana. The Ai, cloud technology company is dedicated to enhancing productivity and optimizing workforce management for businesses across Africa.
SeamlessHR provides an all-in-one HR and payroll software solution tailored for emerging markets. Described as “Workday for emerging markets,” SeamlessHR simplifies the hiring process, onboarding, and management of HR activities. Its platform offers tools for payroll, performance and application tracking, workforce planning, and succession planning, allowing companies to focus on their core business functions across various industries, including banking, oil and gas, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Emmanuel currently serves as the CEO of SeamlessHR, leading a talented team that develops innovative HR software solutions and fostering growth across Nigeria, Ghana, and East Africa, with plans for aggressive expansion into global emerging markets. Before SeamlessHR, he was the Founding Assistant Project Director at Evercare Hospital, Lekki,Emmanuel also served as the CEO of Insidify.com Limited, which launched Africa’s first social job site, aggregating job listings from various platforms and later pivoting to SeamlessHR.
Additionally, he co-founded Waressence Nigeria Limited, an enterprise software development company that served Nigerian corporates and governments, including major clients like MTN, UBA, and First Bank.
He holds an MB.ch.B in Medicine and Surgery from Obafemi Awolowo University and completed an Advanced Business Strategy program at Harvard Business School Executive Education in October 2022.
Note: The individuals featured in this compilation have been carefully selected by a distinguished panel of editors, experts, and analysts at Nairametrics.
It is important to note that none of the individuals listed have solicited their inclusion.
While this list aims to be comprehensive, it is by no means exhaustive; numerous other contributors have played significant roles in advancing the Artificial intelligence industry in Nigeria and Africa.
This compilation is exclusive to Nairametrics and may be updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in the field. Feedback will be appreciated.
