Hi Ayodele here,

Across the continent, artificial intelligence is starting to show up in places that matter most. From credit scoring models built on non-traditional data to AI-powered healthcare platforms reaching millions, we are seeing local innovation meet local realities. At the same time, the conversation around ethics, bias, and access is becoming more urgent and necessary.

This week, we highlight emerging efforts in Nigeria and a major new fund aimed at bridging Africa’s AI infrastructure and talent gaps.

Let us dive in.

Around Africa

Lendsqr rolls out AI credit scoring using voice data

Accessing a loan in Nigeria especially if you’re a small business owner or informal worker can feel like hitting a brick wall. Traditional lenders often require long credit histories or formal documentation, leaving millions out in the cold.

Lendsqr is stepping up with a different approach. The fintech just launched an AI-powered credit scoring model that uses non-traditional data, such as voice patterns in audio and video input, to assess creditworthiness.

Why this matters:

• Inclusion first: Over 60% of Nigerian adults lack access to formal credit.

• Better risk management: The AI system processes several signals to make smarter, safer lending decisions.
  

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds. There is no doubt the idea is innovative, especially given that access to credit remains a major challenge that needs creative solutions. Although the approach closely resembles physiognomy: the practice of judging a person's character or potential based on their physical appearance, it would be great to see how well the model performs when fully launched.

AwaDoc launches AI-powered telemedicine platform in Nigeria

Healthcare in Nigeria is filled with various challenges. Doctor shortages, long wait times, and travel distances leave many without proper medical care. Enter AwaDoc, a homegrown healthtech startup using AI to fill the gap.

 AwaDoc, a Lagos-based healthtech startup, is taking a different route by combining artificial intelligence with trusted public voices to bridge the gap. The startup just partnered with Dr. Chinonso Egemba (widely known as Aproko Doctor) to launch an AI-powered telemedicine platform.

Why this matters:

• AI-first triage: The platform uses natural language processing to understand symptoms in English, Pidgin, or Yoruba, flagging urgent cases in real-time.

• Affordable care: Patients can consult with trained AI models for free and proceed with consulting with licensed doctors and access discounted prescriptions and lab tests through partnered providers.

• Massive reach: Aproko Doctor’s 3 million followers helped drive 50,000 user sign-ups within 72 hours of launch.

With Nigeria averaging just 4 doctors per 10,000 people, AwaDoc’s AI-human hybrid model could become a critical tool for scaling healthcare access. The company plans to add maternal health features by Q3 2025. This is AI meeting people where they are, and it’s saving lives.

Africa launches $3 million AI Opportunity Fund with backing from global tech giants

This week, we spotlight a major step forward in Africa’s journey toward AI readiness. On April 17, 2025, the Africa AI Opportunity Fund was launched, a $3 million initiative backed by global tech leaders including Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, and IBM. The fund was unveiled at an event hosted by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), with strong support from Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The fund is aimed at solving three of the continent’s key challenges in AI adoption: limited access to computing infrastructure, a fragmented innovation ecosystem, and a critical shortage of skilled AI talent.

Key Objectives of the Fund:

• Expand AI infrastructure by building more high-performance computing hubs across the continent

• Support AI startups and researchers with funding and access to data and tools

• Boost local talent by rolling out specialized training programs and AI-focused curricula in collaboration with African universities

AUDA-NEPAD and UNECA will work with a growing network of local and international partners to ensure effective implementation and oversight.

Why It Matters
Africa’s youth population is expected to reach over 850 million by 2050, but without investment in tech infrastructure and workforce development, many young Africans risk being left behind in the digital economy. This fund offers a concrete opportunity to close the gap between potential and reality.

By encouraging public-private partnerships and uniting key actors across the African tech landscape, the Africa AI Opportunity Fund could serve as a continental catalyst thereby strengthening digital sovereignty, fostering inclusive growth, and setting a model for sustainable AI development that centers local needs and ethics.

Around the world

Google’s Gemini 1.5 Goes Open-Source

Google dropped the weights for its Gemini 1.5 Nano model, letting developers fine-tune it for smartphones, IoT, and more. Offline translation and remote diagnostics just got a serious upgrade.

Tesla’s Optimus Robot Gets to Work

Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, was recently filmed autonomously assembling a Model Y component. Trained via human demonstrations, this robot is moving beyond sci-fi and into actual factory work.

Upcoming African AI Events

International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Robotics (ICAIROB)
Date: May 3rd 
Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Link: ICAIROB

International Conference on Computer Science, Technology and Artificial Intelligence (ICCSTAI) 
Date: May 7 · 
Location: Abuja, Lagos
Link: ICCSTAI

AI Job Opportunities

• Awari – Senior AI Engineer (Remote, Nigeria)

• Upskill Universe – AI and Cloud Technologies Trainer (Lagos)

• IHS Towers – Specialist, Applications and AI Development(Lagos)
  

Use Case of the Week: Smart Farming with UjuziKilimo

Kenyan agri-tech startup UjuziKilimo is turning farmers into field scientists. Using satellite imagery and soil sensors, it sends SMS-based recommendations on irrigation, fertilizers, and pest control. Farmers just input their crop and location—AI does the rest.

Early results? Up to 30% higher yields.​