In April 2026, Nigeria’s technology landscape is witnessing a fascinating convergence. While global giants are scouting for “Deep Tech” innovators to build advanced hardware, local institutions are launching massive grassroots programs to ensure the average citizen isn’t left behind. Two recent developments—Qualcomm’s “Make in Africa” selections and the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s (RCCG) AI bootcamp—perfectly illustrate this two-pronged approach to the digital economy.
The Deep Tech Frontier: Qualcomm’s “Make in Africa”
Qualcomm has officially unveiled the 10 startups selected for its 2026 Make in Africa Mentorship Programme, and Nigeria has once again proven to be a powerhouse of innovation. Out of over 1,200 applications from 45 countries, two Nigerian startups made the final cut:
• Anatsor Ltd: Based in Abuja, this AgTech startup is revolutionizing the poultry industry. They’ve developed a smart, digital management system that tracks animal health and improves daily farm productivity.
• D-Olivette Labs: Led by Tunde Adeyemi, this startup uses “bio-intelligence” to turn organic waste into clean energy and water. Their “Kitchen Box” is already helping thousands of rural women daily.
This isn’t just about software; it’s about Deep Tech and Intellectual Property (IP). These startups will receive technical coaching on Edge AI, 5G, and IoT, alongside a $5,000 stipend and reimbursement for patent filings. It represents a shift from “consumer apps” toward hardware-software systems that solve structural African problems.
While Qualcomm focuses on the elite 1%, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is tackling the digital divide at scale. At the Christ The Lord Parish in Lekki, over 200 youths and entrepreneurs recently completed a three-day intensive bootcamp (April 9–11) titled “AI for Wealth Creation.”
The training, facilitated by the Fish For Life Foundation, focused on how to turn AI into a business. Participants learned AI-powered book publishing, video editing, and YouTube monetization.
This session is part of a massive church-wide initiative to train 8,400 Nigerians in digital skills to celebrate Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s 84th birthday.
By teaching the youth how to use AI for freelancing and global remote work, the church is transforming technology from a “luxury concept” into a practical tool for economic survival.
Together, these programs ensure that Nigeria is competing at the highest levels of global innovation while simultaneously building a digital-ready workforce at home. Whether through a bio-refinery lab or a parish-led bootcamp, the message is clear: the AI revolution in Nigeria is both professional and personal.
