Project Summary

Africa must not be left behind in the AI era. Yet today, it contributes just 1.3% of global AI policy initiatives (Stanford AI Index 2024), while Nigeria ranks only 94th of 193 countries in AI readiness (Oxford AI Readiness Index 2024). The Responsible AI Governance Initiative (RAI-GI) is answering this urgent call.

RAI-GI is Africa’s first nonprofit exclusively focused on ethical and responsible AI governance—launched from Nigeria (pop. 230M+) with a pan-African vision. Our mission is clear: to build Africa’s foundational infrastructure for AI governance that is ethical, inclusive, and aligned with local values. Backed by early stakeholder consultations and global best practices, this $20,000 seed fund will catalyze RAI-GI’s operational launch and unlock long-term impact.

Project Goals

To achieve our mission, RAI-GI is anchored on three strategic pillars:

1. Establish Governance Infrastructure

• Develop benchmark AI governance frameworks tailored to the Nigerian and African context.

• Produce rigorous, evidence-based research and translate it into actionable policy guidance.

2. Champion Ethical Leadership & Capacity Building

• Promote AI systems that protect human rights, uphold democracy, and reflect Africa’s diversity.

• Elevate capacity among policymakers, civil society, and the public through training and educational initiatives.

3. Foster Strategic Engagement & Awareness

• Convene multi-stakeholder collaborations across government, tech, academia, and civil society.

• Launch national campaigns to shape informed public discourse around AI.

Implementation Strategy

RAI-GI is uniquely positioned to lead this space with an exclusive AI governance focus. Our launch phase includes:

• Legal Incorporation: Finalizing nonprofit registration in Nigeria (already initiated).

• Stakeholder Engagement: Hosting roundtables and policy sprints to co-create priorities.

• Research & Policy Development: Publishing sector-specific AI risk analyses and briefs.

• Capacity Building: Delivering world-class, open-access training modules and resources.

• Public Awareness: Driving digital campaigns that elevate the responsible AI agenda.

• Operational Hub: Setting up a lean, collaborative office in Abuja for on-ground coordination.

Funding Use Breakdown ($20,000 Seed Fund)

This $20,000 seed funding unlocks immediate operational capacity and delivers tangible outcomes within 6-9 months. Every dollar is strategically allocated:

• $1,000: Legal Finalization: Completing non-profit registration and ensuring full compliance.

• $2,000: Digital Platform Launch: Building a professional website and robust communication channels for maximum reach.

• $4,000: Operational Hub Setup: Securing collaborative office space and essential equipment in Abuja.

• $8,000: Core Team Activation: Recruiting our initial high-calibre team, including a Program Manager with policy advocacy expertise and a Communications Lead skilled in multi-platform engagement.

• $1,000: Foundational Knowledge Products: Developing initial policy briefs, research summaries, and educational content.

• $2,000: Inaugural Policy Roundtable: Convening our first high-level, multi-stakeholder policy development forum.

• $2,000: National Awareness Campaign Launch: Initiating targeted digital campaigns to elevate the responsible AI agenda.

Leadership & Track Record

Founder: Muhammad Ahmad Janyau – Nigerian social entrepreneur and ForHumanity Fellow, recognized for co-founding the Innovation for Empowerment and Sustainable Peace Initiative (IESP), which secured international funding and impacted over 50,000 lives through tech-for-good programs. He brings deep experience in AI ethics, stakeholder engagement, and systems thinking.

Confirmed Advisors:

• Ryan Carrier – Founder & Executive Director of ForHumanity, the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to independent AI auditing and risk oversight.

• Bar. Hadiza Makarfi, Esq. – Senior Legislative Aide, National Assembly, expert in policy formulation.

• Usman Mareri – Founder & CEO, Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change (CREACC); a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 12 years of experience in sustainable development, climate advocacy, and global fellowships including UNLEASH, CAUX, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Advisory Engagements in Progress:

We are also in active discussions with other leading figures in AI policy and national development, including:

• Prof. Isa Ali Pantami – Former Minister of Communications & pioneer of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy.

• Dr. Bosun Tijani – Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and champion of Nigeria’s AI research and digital transformation.

• Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi – Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and key architect of Nigeria’s digital transformation and AI policy framework.

• Dr. Abbas Waziri (Rtd.) – Former Head of Cybersecurity, Nigerian Military Intelligence.

We are optimistic about formalizing their advisory roles as we continue building a robust governance framework for ethical AI in Africa.

Together, this team blends deep policy, tech, security, and grassroots expertise—ensuring visionary leadership grounded in execution.

Risks of Inaction

The primary risk is lack of seed funding. Without this catalytic $20,000, we risk:

• Permanent Exclusion from global AI norm-setting processes.

• Digital Colonization through unchecked, foreign-deployed AI with no local accountability.

• Algorithmic Harm in the absence of national guardrails for safety and fairness.

• Lost Generational Opportunity to shape AI for Africa’s development.

• Continued Technological Dependence, relegating Africa to passive consumer status.

RAI-GI exists to reverse this trajectory—and this seed fund is the critical first step.

Current Funding Status

RAI-GI is entering its inaugural fundraising round. We have raised $0 to date (as of April 2025) while focusing on groundwork, team formation, and stakeholder mapping. This $20,000 seed funding will position us to unlock larger, multi-year grants from development partners, foundations, and aligned governments.

Join Us: Become a Foundational Partner

This is your opportunity to invest in Africa’s ability to shape its AI future—ethically, inclusively, and independently. With your support, we will build the structures today that ensure AI serves people, protects rights, and strengthens Africa’s governance tomorrow.

Contact Us

📧 Email: raigi.nigeria@gmail.com
💬 WhatsApp: +2348060672755
🔗 LinkedIn: Responsible AI Governance Initiative
🌐 Oxford AI Readiness Index: View Nigeria’s Ranking