InnoPower Africa, a talent and enterprise development organization, and Luma Learn AI, an AI-powered education platform, have launched a Nigeria-led initiative to expand access to artificial intelligence learning across Africa, targeting one million learners.
The program offers AI tools, training, and customized learning experiences via platforms such as WhatsApp, targeting underserved communities, educators, students, families, and small businesses, who have historically been left out of mainstream education technology.
Luma Learn AI’s co-founder and board chairman, Chris Folayan, stated that their platform has helped over 160,000 students. It has also provided more than 4.8 million learning sessions in 11 languages through WhatsApp. This allows students to access the platform without a computer or an expensive device.
“Luma was built for the learner who has been overlooked by every other system,” Folayan said. “Partnering with InnoPower means we can reach them faster and further than either of us could alone.”
Innopower partnership aims to close Africa’s AI gap
This partnership is critical given AI’s projected economic impact on the continent. The African AI market is expected to reach $16 to $18 billion by 2030. However, about 40% of Africans lack reliable internet access.
Folayan cautioned that if the continent is slow to adopt new technologies, it could increase inequality and reduce its global competitiveness.
InnoPower founder and CEO Emil Ekiyor challenged the notion that Africa is behind on AI.
“Africa is not waiting for technology to arrive, Africans are already the most active AI users in the world,” he said. “What we need is structured access, training, and infrastructure. That is exactly what this partnership builds.”
The program will use a train-the-trainer approach, where professionals will be trained so they can then train and support others. It will also include AI tools in training for teachers and business owners in West Africa.
InnoPower collaborates with the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition to train 250 lead trainers, who then train 12,500 small businesses.
Similar read: Google’s Hustle Academy pivots to ‘AI for everyone’ to power Africa’s digital future
Additionally, they also partner with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to train 100 lead trainers, who then support 5,000 entrepreneurs.
To grow this project, the partners aim to raise $250,000 initially, focusing on the ECOWAS subregion. This money will be used to provide more people with AI learning resources, recruit experts, and promote greater use of AI throughout the area.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
