Open-Weight AI Could Be Nigeria's Ticket to the Front of the Line

Open-weight AI models represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Nigeria to shift from being a technology consumer to a creator — if the continent can build the digital infrastructure and talent pipeline to match.

Evidence For

• $1.4 billion raised by African startups in H1 2026, roughly matching H1 2025 despite a cautious global VC market — but the money is concentrating fast. The 30 most-funded startups absorbed 84% of all disclosed capital, while deals fell...