DSN Restates Commitment to Train One Million AI Talents in Africa

Emma Okonji

Having nurtured over 800, 000 data-driven innovators in Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Africa, Data Scientists Network (DSN), has said it will meet its target of raising one million AI talents, equipped to build localised solutions that will improve the quality of life of over two billion people in emerging markets across Africa.

Data Scientists Network, also known as Data Science Nigeria, made the disclosure during the 5th edition of its annual 2023 AI Bootcamp, which held in Lagos recently.

Over an intensive six-day period, the Bootcamp provided an interactive platform for participants from the data science industry and academia, featuring comprehensive learning sessions to equip them with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Founder and Lead Mentor, Data Science Nigeria, Olubayo Adekanmbi, said: “The DSN Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing data-driven innovators and building the largest community of AI talents, world-class researchers, and problem-solvers.

“We are immensely proud of the participants’ growth and transformation as they conquered challenges, collaborated with peers, and demonstrated the potential to revolutionise industries through AI.” 

The AI Bootcamp commencing with a five-day free introduction to Artificial Intelligence classes, followed by a 50-day pre-bootcamp learning program, conducted in collaboration with Microsoft Nigeria.

According to Adekanmbi, over 10,000 learners across 70 different locations participated in the Microsoft Skills for Job challenge after which more than 500 participants took part in the Qualification Hackathon and project participation, out of which 104 emerged victorious, securing seats in the DSN 2023 Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp.

The hybrid nature of the Bootcamp accommodated participants at the DSN AI hub and others who joined virtually, who were fully immersed in emerging AI topics, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Prompt Engineering, Geospatial AI, Deep Learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs), Research Writing, Ethical considerations in AI Development, as well as a comprehensive Career Fair.