By Juliet Umeh

Data Science Nigeria, DSN, has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing Africa’s Artificial Intelligence, AI, ecosystem with the successful completion of the 8th edition of its Annual AI Bootcamp held in Lagos.

The 2025 edition marked another milestone in DSN’s mission to train one million AI talents within ten years and position Africa as a global hub for inclusive technological innovation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of DSN, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, said the Bootcamp was designed to nurture a new generation of innovators using technology to solve Africa’s problems.

According to him, “This year’s edition reaffirms our belief that Africa’s future will not be imported but intelligently built by its people. We are building not just coders but catalysts — people who will use AI to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges.”

He added that over 32,000 applications were received from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, underscoring Nigeria’s growing appetite for AI knowledge and trust in DSN’s model. After a rigorous multi-stage selection process, 150 outstanding learners were selected for the fully residential, all-expenses-paid Bootcamp hosted at the University of Lagos.

Adekanmbi explained that the curriculum merged technical depth with social impact, covering areas such as Generative and Agentic AI, Geospatial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, and Responsible AI. “Our approach is simple — learning, building, and sharing. Every project is designed to address a real African problem,” he noted.

The 2025 edition was supported by global and local partners including Microsoft, Meta, MTN Foundation, Google DeepMind, Boaz Integrated Energy, Hyperspace, NVIDIA, NitHub, EqualyzAI, and the Fintech Association of Nigeria.

A Microsoft representative said, “Education is the bridge between potential and progress. Our partnership with DSN gives young people access to global tools, certifications, and opportunities that can change their lives.”

Similarly, a representative of MTN Foundation said, “Partnerships like this accelerate impact. We are proud to support initiatives that empower youth to drive social and economic change.”

Among the highlights were masterclasses by experts including Dr. Uyi Stewart of Data.org, who emphasised that “for AI to truly serve Africa, it must be inclusive and locally relevant.”

Participants also engaged in a high-impact Hackathon, developing solutions to real issues in healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion. One participant, Nkechi Okonkwo, described the experience as “transformative,” adding that it changed her perception of technology as a tool for solving human problems.

The Bootcamp climaxed with an awards ceremony where the DSN Community at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, emerged as AI School of the Year.

Adekanmbi urged participants to replicate the knowledge gained in their communities, saying, “This is not the end of your journey but the beginning. As you have freely received, freely give.”

The 8th DSN AI Bootcamp, once again, reaffirmed Africa’s readiness to lead in home-grown innovation through collaboration, mentorship, and inclusive learning.