Top 7 Young Nigerian Billionaires Leading AI Startups

In the centre of Africa’s growing tech industry, Nigeria stands out as a significant contributor, largely due to the innovative work of several AI startup founders of Nigerian heritage. 

Their pioneering efforts are transforming the tech landscape and helping to shape a tech industry in Africa valued at $480 billion.

Government Support Boosts AI Development

The Nigerian government is actively boosting this tech boom, with key policies from Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Recently, he announced a $1.5 million initiative to enhance AI development, showing a strong commitment to innovation. Although some earlier initiatives, such as the N100 million AI Fund created with Google, were criticised for their limited scope, these actions are part of a larger plan to nurture a robust AI environment. 

Plans include setting up the National Artificial Intelligence Trust to ensure ethical AI development that includes local languages and community involvement.

 Here are the Profiles of Pioneering AI Startup Founders:

1. Silas Adekunle

Leading the robotics and AI sector, Silas Adekunle, co-founder and CEO of Reach Industries, is renowned for revolutionising laboratory processes with advanced technology solutions. His other venture, Awarri, is aimed at nurturing AI and robotics knowledge across Africa.

Adekunle gained fame with his earlier venture, Reach Robotics, which introduced Mekamon, the world’s inaugural augmented reality gaming robot. His innovative work has not only earned him a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list but also the title of the world’s highest-paid robotics engineer.

2. Adebayo Alonge

As a co-founder of RAll, Adebayo Alonge uses his pharmaceutical background to develop AI solutions that ensure the authenticity and safety of medications across Africa, addressing the critical issue of counterfeit drugs.

3. Ebuka Obi

Founder of Autogon AI, Ebuka Obi is pioneering AI applications in the autonomous vehicle industry, focusing on improving safety and efficiency in urban transportation networks.

4. Henry Mascot

CEO of Curacel, Henry Mascot leads an AI-driven initiative to combat insurance fraud, providing essential tools to insurance companies across Africa to enhance trust and streamline operations.

5. Udoka Mark

Udoka Mark’s Intelia is at the forefront of using AI and data analytics to transform how businesses across various sectors utilise data for better decision-making and increased efficiency.

6. Charles Onu

Charles Onu, co-founder and CEO of Ubenwa Health, applies AI to neonatal care, developing technologies that analyze infant cries to diagnose and treat birth asphyxia, potentially saving countless lives.

7. Emmanuel Okeleji 

Emmanuel Okeleji, co-founder of SeamlessHR, is innovating in the human resources space, using AI to enhance HR and payroll systems, thus helping companies across Africa manage their human assets more effectively.