The Federal Government has launched the ATLAS Network, a continent-wide artificial intelligence initiative designed to accelerate the development of locally relevant large language models and strengthen Africa’s role in the global AI ecosystem.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani unveiled the initiative on Thursday during the opening session of the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26) in Abuja.
Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the event as Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking at the conference, Tijani said the ATLAS Network builds on Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Language and Translation Alliance (N-ATLAS) and will bring together governments, researchers, academic institutions, innovators and ecosystem partners to develop AI systems that better reflect Africa’s languages, cultures and knowledge systems.
According to the minister, fewer than two per cent of Africa’s languages are meaningfully supported by modern AI systems despite the continent accounting for nearly one-third of the world’s languages.
He said the new initiative expands Nigeria’s existing programme into a continental framework and invited African countries to participate in the collaborative platform.
Tijani also urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation and present a united position on global digital policy.
“Africa must arrive prepared, united and credible. We must continue to invest in technical preparation, strengthen regional cooperation and speak with one voice where our interests align,” he said.
“Where global digital rules are being shaped, Africa must be ready to participate and help shape outcomes that affect our people, our economies and our future.”
Representing Vice President Shettima, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said Africa must play a more active role in shaping global technology policies.
He noted that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its contributions within the African Telecommunications Union and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), adding that the country would continue working to ensure African priorities are reflected in global digital governance.
