The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has intensified efforts to build artificial intelligence (AI) capacity among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the launch of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC)-INNOPOWER Free MSMEs AI Master Trainer Programme in Abuja.
The initiative, unveiled at the United Nations House, brought together stakeholders from government, industry and development organisations to promote AI adoption, strengthen digital skills and prepare entrepreneurs for opportunities in the emerging digital economy.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, described the programme as a significant step towards equipping MSMEs with the knowledge and practical skills required to compete in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Represented by the Director of Digital Development Services, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Inuwa said artificial intelligence has become a defining force shaping economies, industries and governance, making it imperative for Nigeria to invest in capacity building and innovation.
He explained that the MSME AI Master Trainer Programme aligns with NITDA’s broader strategy of developing a resilient AI ecosystem capable of producing local talent and innovative solutions rather than relying solely on imported technologies.
According to him, the agency is implementing the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure, accelerate AI adoption across critical sectors, promote responsible AI development and establish governance frameworks that support sustainable innovation.
Inuwa noted that initiatives such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), the Nigeria AI Collective, the N-ATLAS multilingual large language model, the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative are designed to prepare Nigerians with the skills required for the digital economy.
He said the AI Master Trainer Programme would empower trainers to transfer practical AI knowledge to entrepreneurs, enabling small businesses to improve productivity, automate operations, expand market access and enhance competitiveness.
The NITDA Director General stressed that Africa’s future in artificial intelligence would depend on sustained investments in talent, digital infrastructure and strategic partnerships, rather than technology alone.
He also underscored the importance of developing sovereign digital infrastructure, preserving indigenous languages within AI systems and expanding digital literacy to ensure inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
In his welcome address, the Regional President of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, described the programme as a strategic investment in Africa’s human capital.
He said the initiative is designed to equip trainers with practical AI skills that can be transferred to entrepreneurs and MSMEs across the region, creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and accelerating sustainable industrial development.
Yerima called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, academia, financial institutions and the private sector to build an AI-driven economy capable of enhancing Africa’s competitiveness while delivering inclusive economic growth.
