In a major step toward advancing responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, Moolu Venture Lab was among a select group of Innovation Support Organizations (ISOs) chosen from over 150 ISOs across Nigeria to participate in the prestigious Artificial Intelligence Training of Trainers (TOT) for Policy Actors.
The training, held at the Protea Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was organized by the Digital Transformation Center (DTC Nigeria), a collaborative initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.
The training’s objective was clear: to equip Nigeria’s leading ISOs with critical insights into AI policy, ethics, and regulatory frameworks, essential for shaping a sustainable AI landscape within the country. As AI’s transformative potential touches nearly every industry—from healthcare and agriculture to education and finance—the need for a well-regulated, ethically grounded AI framework has never been more pressing in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The program was led by Data Science Nigeria, directed by Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, whose expertise in AI and data science provided invaluable insights into the future of AI in Nigeria. Dr. Thuweba Diwani, Project Lead at GIZ, contributed her vast experience in digital transformation and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and local context in AI frameworks. Ms. Sade Dada, Meta’s AI Policy Manager for West Africa, also enriched the sessions, offering perspectives on regional challenges and the global landscape of AI policy, including privacy, data security, and ethics.
Prince Ogbonna, CEO of Moolu Venture Lab, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this landmark training. Reflecting on the importance of integrating ethical standards in AI, he noted, “This training strengthens our commitment to fostering an AI ecosystem that aligns with our mission for ethical, responsible innovation. We are excited to apply these insights to help Nigerian innovators create AI-driven solutions that reflect integrity and accountability. Our goal is to ensure that every solution we support has the potential to make a real, positive impact across industries.”
Ogbonna also highlighted the lab’s dedication to integrating AI policy learnings into Moolu’s incubation and mentorship programs, further solidifying its position as a leader in supporting Nigerian startups in responsible tech adoption. “Our engagement with the AI Training of Trainers is a step toward mainstreaming ethical frameworks into the very foundation of Nigeria’s innovation environment. This collaboration enables us to be at the forefront of AI policy in Africa, ensuring we’re not only keeping pace with global standards but also setting a benchmark for responsible AI,” he added.
As part of this program, Moolu Venture Lab joins a collaborative network of ISOs that are positioned to guide Nigerian innovators in adopting responsible AI practices. This involvement will enhance Moolu’s strategic initiatives to bridge the AI skills gap and advocate for policies that protect user rights while enabling innovation.
The impact of this training on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is expected to be significant, especially as Moolu Venture Lab and its partners work together to create pathways for scalable, ethical AI solutions. Through collaborative efforts with policy experts, tech leaders, and the nation’s most promising innovators, Nigeria stands poised to become a leader in responsible AI development across the African continent.