Nigeria pushes for local AI development in new report

Nigeria’s Goalkeepers community, working with Gatefield, has released a report urging that artificial intelligence (AI) development in Nigeria should focus on local needs, local data, and fair access to technology.

The report, called Make This Matter, is a Nigerian version of the global 2026 Goalkeepers Report. It looks into how AI can help fix problems in key areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture. It also warns against letting market forces decide how technology is developed.

The report says that if AI development is only driven by market interests, it might benefit rich, English-speaking urban areas while ignoring poorer communities. It points out that the next 12 to 18 months are important to make sure AI technologies meet the needs of Nigerians instead of just selling to them.

The report was launched after discussions with technology leaders at the Moonshot event in Lagos last week. It says this initiative will use findings from the report to engage with important stakeholders and push for national AI strategies. These strategies should focus on building digital public infrastructure, ensuring access to local computing resources, and creating open local datasets.

Fixing problems in key areas

One main focus of the report is how AI can boost frontline systems, especially in healthcare, education, and agriculture. It highlights Nigeria's shortage of healthcare workers, noting that there is one doctor for every 2,500 people, while high-income countries have one doctor for every 200 people.

The report suggests that AI could help lessen routine paperwork and assist in patient triage. This could relieve some of the stress on overworked healthcare staff. It also emphasizes the need for AI systems that use local data and governance rules that protect Nigeria’s data rights.

These systems should support Nigerian languages, including Pidgin, to make sure technology solutions are accessible and reflect the country's language and social realities.

Boosting local AI innovators

The initiative also aims to find and promote over 25 Nigerian AI innovators, researchers, and tech developers who are already tackling development issues. Some highlighted projects include mDoc with its Kem AI platform, Schoola, and Curri AI.

According to the report, the initiative will connect these innovators with public institutions and charitable funders. This will help expand successful AI solutions into state-level public systems. It also plans to encourage responsible AI use through multimedia essays, media partnerships, and community engagement, focusing on primary and maternal healthcare, nutrition, and basic education.

The Nigeria Goalkeepers community said this initiative will help the country influence how funding and tech innovation address inequality and support the public good. You can find the report at makethismatter.ng.