Morganable Technology / Startups
Nigeria is taking another step towards wider AI adoption as NITDA and NACCIMA launch a programme to equip 10,000 businesses with practical artificial intelligence skills.
Lagos —
NITDA and NACCIMA are targeting 10,000 Nigerian businesses for practical artificial intelligence training under a new partnership.
The programme aims to help small businesses use digital tools, reach more customers and work more efficiently.
It will also connect Nigerian technology startups with investors and corporate buyers, while promoting a new digital trust mark for verified businesses.
The partnership brings together the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Their plan recognises that the digital economy cannot grow through technology companies alone. Ordinary businesses must also be able to use digital services to solve problems, improve their operations and compete for customers.
Many small business owners know that technology can help them. However, they may not know which tools to choose or how to use them safely.
Others may lack the money, skills or reliable internet access needed to get started. The new partnership aims to close some of these gaps through training, business connections and support for online trust.
Three Priorities for the Partnership
The organisations have identified three main areas of work. First, they want to connect Nigerian technology startups with investors and corporate customers.
Second, they plan to train 10,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to use practical artificial intelligence tools. Third, they intend to introduce a digital trust mark for verified businesses.
The partners have signed a memorandum of understanding and set up a joint technical working group to coordinate the programme. NACCIMA will use its network of more than 120 city, state and bilateral chambers to reach businesses in different parts of the country.
Helping Startups Find Customers
One part of the partnership focuses on a common problem for Nigerian startups: finding customers who are ready to pay for their products. A company may develop useful software, but it cannot grow on ideas alone. It needs customers, steady income and, in some cases, investment to expand.
Under the plan, NACCIMA is expected to support the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, scheduled for November 10 to 12. The activities are expected to include business-to-business meetings, discussions with investors and introductions between startups and potential corporate buyers.
However, a meeting does not automatically lead to a contract or investment. The real test will be whether the introductions produce pilot projects, paid services, procurement deals or long-term business relationships. Startups must also show that their products solve real problems and offer good value.
Making Artificial Intelligence Useful
The plan to train 10,000 MSMEs is another major part of the agreement. Many small businesses still handle sales records, customer messages, stock and daily administration manually. Simple digital tools could help them save time and make better decisions.
For instance, a shop owner could use an AI tool to draft product descriptions, organise customer questions or summarise feedback. A small business could study its sales records to see which products sell fastest. A service provider might use digital tools to prepare routine messages and manage appointments.
Business owners must still check important AI-generated answers before acting on them. These systems can make mistakes, produce misleading information or misunderstand a question. Training should therefore explain how to use AI, protect customer information and recognise unreliable results.
Building Trust in Online Business
The third priority is a digital trust mark for verified businesses. The proposed platform is intended to encourage businesses to pay attention to data protection, cybersecurity and responsible online practices.
Trust is important when people buy goods or services online. Customers want to know that a seller is genuine and that their personal details will be handled carefully. Businesses also need confidence when they share information with suppliers, partners and customers.
Nigeria’s Data Protection Act 2023 sets rules for how organisations should handle personal information. A trust mark could encourage businesses to take those duties seriously and show customers that they have considered basic safeguards.
However, a badge alone cannot prove that a business is safe. The process must explain what is checked, how often businesses are reviewed and what happens when a company fails to meet the requirements. Clear standards will help prevent the mark from becoming just another logo on a website.
How the Programme Should Be Measured
The partnership has set ambitious goals, but its value will depend on what happens after the announcement. The organisers should explain how businesses can apply, where training will take place and what support participants will receive after completing the programme.
The 10,000-business target should also include firms outside major cities. Small businesses in rural communities may face greater barriers to internet access, electricity and training. If the programme is designed only around people who are already connected, it could leave many of the businesses that need support behind.
The partners should publish regular updates on their progress. Useful measures would include the number of businesses trained, how many continue using digital tools and whether participants report improvements in their work. For startups, the partners could track introductions that lead to contracts, pilot projects or investment.
Turning Training Into Business Growth
The NITDA–NACCIMA partnership offers an opportunity to bring more Nigerian businesses into the digital economy. Its focus on practical AI training, startup connections and online trust addresses three important needs.
Still, training alone cannot solve every challenge. Businesses also need affordable internet, reliable electricity, access to finance and a stable environment in which to operate. The programme will have a stronger impact if it works alongside wider efforts to improve these conditions.
Ultimately, success should be measured by what changes for the businesses involved. If owners can serve customers more efficiently, manage their operations better and use technology safely, the partnership will have delivered real value.
Nigeria has many business ideas and talented technology founders. Helping them find one another and build lasting commercial relationships could turn more of that potential into jobs, stronger companies and wider economic growth
