Nigeria Unveils Multilingual AI System: Paving the Way for AI Advancements

Nigeria Unveils Multilingual AI System: Paving the Way for AI Advancements

In a groundbreaking move to propel its artificial intelligence (AI) efforts, the Nigerian government has launched the country’s first multilingual large language model (LLM). The announcement was made by Communications Minister Bosun Tijani during a 4-day AI workshop held in Abuja, which saw the gathering of over 120 AI experts.

The Multilingual Large Language Model is an advanced AI system with the ability to comprehend, process, and generate text in multiple languages. This development is expected to revolutionize AI solutions not only in Nigeria but also beyond its borders. Minister Tijani emphasized the importance of linguistic diversity, stating that the LLM will be trained in five low-resource languages and accented English. This will ensure a stronger language representation in existing datasets, further enhancing the development of AI solutions.

“The project will also be supported by over 7,000 fellows from the @3MTTNigeria programme,” Minister Tijani announced. This collaboration between government and industry experts will provide crucial support to drive AI advancements in Nigeria.

The partnership between local and global tech companies was instrumental in the development of this AI tool. Minister Tijani revealed that the government has joined forces with Cisco, a renowned cybersecurity firm, to relaunch the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). This collaboration aims to establish a dedicated facility for research and development in emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things.

“The NCAIR will serve as a digital innovation and research facility, fulfilling its mandate to explore the practical applications of these emerging technologies in areas of Nigerian national interest,” explained Minister Tijani. By strengthening the capacity of the NCAIR, the government is committed to fostering digital innovation and pushing Nigeria to the forefront of technological advancements.

This latest development marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s AI landscape. By investing in multilingual AI systems and enhancing research and development capabilities, the government is positioning the country as a key player in the global AI sector.

The launch of the Multilingual Large Language Model not only highlights the commitment of the Nigerian government to leveraging AI for societal progress but also exemplifies the government’s proactive approach to fostering collaboration between local and international players.

As Nigeria enters this new era of AI development, the possibilities for innovation and advancement are boundless. With the support of the Multilingual Large Language Model and the strengthened capabilities of the NCAIR, Nigeria is poised to unlock the full potential of AI and make significant contributions to the global AI community.

The launch of Nigeria’s first multilingual AI system is not only a momentous event for the nation but also an inspiration for other countries striving to harness the power of artificial intelligence.