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Bridging tradition and innovation: CIATECH Africa launches first Kanuri AI. by Muhammad Umar Faruk
On International Youth Day 2024, startups in Borno took the opportunity to rally for increased support from stakeholders, highlighting the critical role that innovation and entrepreneurship play in the region’s development. These emerging businesses, driven by the energy and creativity of young entrepreneurs, are at the forefront of addressing the unique challenges faced by their communities. However, to truly thrive and scale their impact, these startups are calling for greater collaboration, investment, and mentorship from both public and private sectors. CIATECH Africa is at the forefront of merging technology with cultural preservation. The organisation’s work is not just about introducing new technologies; it’s about addressing the specific needs of African communities with solutions that are both innovative and culturally resonant. The Kanuri AI project exemplifies CIATECH Africa’s approach: using technology to solve real-world problems in a way that respects and elevates the communities it serves. The International Youth Day 2024 was a graceful one as CIATECH Africa achieved a historic milestone by launching the first-ever Kanuri AI, marking a significant step forward in both cultural preservation and technological innovation. This initiative underscores CIATECH Africa’s commitment to creating solutions that honor and uplift indigenous languages, ensuring they remain relevant in our increasingly digital world. The kanuri language us spoken by millions across northeastern Nigeria and parts of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, the language is so deeply embedded in the cultural identity of its people. However, like many indigenous languages. The introduction of Kanuri AI by CIATECH Africa is a powerful response to this challenge, offering a tool that not only preserves the language but also integrates it into the digital age. Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) Commits to Strengthening Digital Skills for Persons with Disabilities Across Its Digital Literacy Centers. During the celebration of International Youth Day Event organised by CIATECH Africa in collaboration with CATAI, ZEGCAWIS and Action Aid, the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) by enhancing their digital skills across its Digital Literacy Centers. This initiative is a key component of BICTDA’s broader mission to ensure that all members of society, regardless of their physical abilities, have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s digital world. Borno, a state with a history of resilience, is home to a growing number of startups that are tackling pressing issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and digital literacy. These young enterprises are not only creating jobs but also fostering innovation in sectors that are crucial for the region’s socio-economic development. By leveraging technology and creative solutions, Borno’s startups are contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development, aligning with the global objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The C.E.O of CIATECH made a call to action for stakeholders during the International Youth Day 2024 celebrations, these startups made a collective call for greater support from stakeholders. He emphasised the need for: Increased Investment: Financial backing is essential for startups to innovate, expand, and create lasting impact. Stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private investors, are urged to recognize the potential of Borno’s startups and provide the necessary capital to fuel their growth. Mentorship and Capacity Building: Experienced professionals and industry leaders are encouraged to offer their expertise to young entrepreneurs. By providing mentorship and training, stakeholders can help bridge the skill gaps and empower startups to succeed in a competitive market. Launching Kanuri AI on International Youth Day is particularly symbolic. It reflects CIATECH Africa’s dedication to empowering the youth, the torchbearers of tomorrow’s innovations. Through this initiative, young people from Kanuri-speaking regions are being given the tools to engage with technology in ways that are deeply connected to their cultural roots. This empowers them to not only preserve their heritage but also to innovate and create new opportunities for their communities. Young innovators can now build apps, educational tools, and digital platforms in Kanuri, fostering a sense of pride and ownership over their cultural identity while contributing to sustainable development. This initiative serves as a beacon for other communities and languages, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to preserve and promote cultural diversity. CIATECH Africa’s launch of Kanuri AI is a clarion call for other organizations, governments, and tech companies to recognize the importance of preserving indigenous languages in the digital era. This project illustrates how AI can be a powerful tool for cultural preservation, and it sets a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide. By investing in such technologies, we can create a digital world that is more inclusive, diverse, and reflective of our shared cultural heritage. CIATECH Africa, in collaboration with its partners, acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Borno State Information Communications Technology Agency in engaging young innovators and providing them with a platform to share their ideas. Building on this momentum, CIATECH Africa is calling on other stakeholders to take proactive steps in supporting these emerging talents by offering platforms for them to showcase their work, providing mentorship opportunities, and fostering strategic partnerships that can help scale their impact. In conclusion, the C.E.O added that the launch of the first Kanuri AI by CIATECH Africa on International Youth Day 2024 is a landmark achievement that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. It’s a bold step toward a future where all languages, no matter how small, have a place in the digital world. Through this initiative, CIATECH Africa is not only preserving a vital part of African heritage but also empowering the youth to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
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CIATECH Africa calls for inclusion of cybersecurity in Nigeria's curriculum. BY Umar Grema
CIATECH Africa, an advocate for technological advancement and digital literacy in Nigeria, has called for the integration of cybersecurity in Nigeria's academic curriculum. The organization said that the increasing reliance on digital platforms across sectors necessitates equipping students with the skills to navigate and secure cyberspace. This was stated by Umar Grema, founder of CIATECH Africa, at a panel discussion in Maiduguri and during Borno Book and Art Festival, Bobafest 2024. He recommended that cybersecurity be introduced at all levels of education, from primary to tertiary institutions, as part of a broader initiative to enhance Nigeria's human capital development. While emphasizing on the security threats associated with cybersecurity and the importance of this proposal, the tech advocate added that it should be a mandatory course in the national curriculum. This inclusion, he explained 'would not only safeguard the nation's digital assets but also prepare a generation of professionals to address complex cybersecurity challenges.' 'As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, the risks of cyber threats, data breaches, and digital fraud have escalated,' he added. CIATECH Africa also highlights the urgent need to address these challenges by 'building a digitally literate population adept in cybersecurity principles.'
CIATECH Africa, Rayyan MFB to empower 50 MSMEs in Borno
A non-governmental organisation, CIATECH Africa, has entered into a strategic partnership with Rayyan Microfinance Bank to empower 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Borno State. The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and access to finance by equipping local entrepreneurs with essential digital tools, financial literacy, and business development support. Speaking during the signing of the agreement in Maiduguri, Umar Grema, Founder of CIATECH Africa, described the partnership as “a milestone in advancing digital and economic inclusion for small business owners in Borno.” “Our collaboration with Rayyan Microfinance Bank is driven by a shared vision to empower local entrepreneurs, especially youth and women-led businesses, with the right skills, finance, and technology. We are not just supporting MSMEs; we are building an ecosystem of innovation and resilience in Borno State,” he said. In his remarks, Abubakar Musa, Managing Director of Rayyan Microfinance Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion in underserved communities. We are proud to partner with CIATECH Africa in creating pathways for entrepreneurs to grow. Together, we will ensure that MSMEs in Borno can access the tools, finance, and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s economy,” he noted. The joint initiative will kick off with a pilot phase supporting 50 MSMEs across key sectors such as agribusiness, retail, and digital services. CIATECH Africa will lead the digital training and entrepreneurship development components, while Rayyan Microfinance Bank will provide financing and financial advisory support. The program aligns with Borno State’s broader goals of fostering innovation, strengthening the local economy, and empowering youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. It also builds on CIATECH Africa’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainable livelihoods through technology and innovation. Through this initiative, selected MSMEs will receive training, mentorship, and access to financial services tailored to help them scale sustainably.
Against the Odds, Borno Women Thrives to Build Businesses, Creating Change
In Maiduguri’s bustling streets and quiet neighborhoods, a growing number of women are reshaping the local economy—often with little more than determination and small-scale capital. This reality came into focus at the Women in Business Summit 2026, where entrepreneurs and stakeholders gathered to highlight the role women are playing in driving economic activity in Borno State. The summit, which took place on Tuesday in Maiduguri, was organized by CIATECH Africa, in collaboration with Rayyan Microfinance Bank. This forms part of a collaborative effort between CIATECH and Rayyan, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two parties in recent weeks. CIATECH is a non-governmental organizations working on advocacy, learning and production towards harnessing and advancement of technology, entrepreneurship among other things. For many of the women present at the summit, entrepreneurship is not just a career choice; it is a necessity. With limited formal employment opportunities, small businesses have become a vital source of income and stability. From baking and fashion design to retail trading, women are carving out spaces for themselves in sectors that are often informal but essential to daily life. “I started small, just to support my family,” one entrepreneur said, adding that “now, I’m thinking about how to grow and employ others.” Yet, the path is not without challenges. Limited access to finance, lack of formal business registration, and restricted market opportunities continue to slow growth for many women-led enterprises. At the summit, these issues were discussed openly, with a focus on practical solutions. Similarly, participants explored ways to strengthen financial inclusion, improve business skills, and connect to broader markets. Development actors and financial institutions present emphasized the need to move beyond one-off interventions toward more structured, long-term support systems. One of the key outcomes of the event was the introduction of new initiatives aimed at addressing these gaps, including support for business formalisation and an entrepreneurship programme targeting 100 women. For many attendees, these efforts represent a step toward sustainability—moving from survival-based businesses to more stable and scalable enterprises. As Borno State continues to rebuild, the role of women in economic recovery is becoming increasingly evident. Their businesses may start small, but their impact is far-reaching.In the face of constraints, these women are not waiting for change, they are creating it.
From Conflict to Innovation: How Borno's Entrepreneurs Are Rebuilding the State's Economy
For more than a decade, Borno State has been synonymous with conflict, displacement, and humanitarian response. International attention has rightly focused on the devastating impact of insurgency on communities, infrastructure, education, and livelihoods. Yet beneath these headlines, another story is unfolding—one that deserves equal attention. Across Maiduguri and other parts of the state, entrepreneurs are quietly rebuilding Borno's economy. They are developing digital solutions, launching startups, expanding family businesses, creating jobs, and restoring confidence in local markets. Their work demonstrates that innovation is not confined to established technology hubs; it can emerge wherever determined people identify problems and create practical solutions. This is the story of a region transitioning from humanitarian recovery toward economic transformation. Entrepreneurship as an Engine of Recovery Post-conflict recovery extends beyond reconstructing roads and public infrastructure. Sustainable recovery depends on enabling people to rebuild livelihoods, generate income, and invest in their communities. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a central role in this process. Globally, MSMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses and contribute significantly to employment, innovation, and poverty reduction. Recognising this, CIATECH Africa and the Borno State Information & Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) convened entrepreneurs, government officials, and ecosystem stakeholders during the 2026 World MSME Day to explore the mindset behind building resilient businesses in Borno State. The discussions revealed a powerful common thread: resilience alone is not enough. Success requires innovation, discipline, partnerships, and a willingness to learn continuously. Innovation Born from Local Challenges Some of Borno's most promising innovations have emerged directly from local needs. Entrepreneur and software developer yusuf hayatuddeen shared how he developed a tricycle-tracking solution in 2014, which was later adopted by the Borno State Government to support revenue collection and improve transport management. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked: "We cannot have security unless we have data." His observation captures an important lesson about post-conflict innovation. Technology is not merely about digital transformation—it is about solving practical governance, security, and service delivery challenges. His journey also demonstrates the importance of government collaboration in scaling locally developed solutions. The Power of Starting Before You're Ready Innovation is often associated with sophisticated technology, but entrepreneurship begins with courage. During the fireside conversation, entrepreneur Fatima Sandabe recounted starting her baking business in 2017 with no previous experience and with money borrowed from her mother. Rather than waiting for ideal circumstances, she invested in training, improved her skills, and gradually expanded her enterprise. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs was simple: "I didn't wait for the perfect opportunity. I believed in my dream, invested in myself, and took the first step." Her experience reflects the reality for many entrepreneurs in Northeast Nigeria, where determination and continuous learning often compensate for limited access to capital and formal support. Building Businesses that Inspire Trust One recurring theme throughout the discussion was trust. Entrepreneurs emphasized that credibility is one of the most valuable assets a business can build. Business leader Hon. Aliko Dala Ahmed (Aliko Das) explained that integrity has been central to his entrepreneurial journey—from managing a phone booth in 2003 to building one of Nigeria's largest GSM distribution businesses. As he put it: "Honesty helped me grow." He encouraged founders to strengthen their financial discipline and business planning before seeking investment, noting that investors back entrepreneurs they trust as much as they back business ideas. In post-conflict economies, where uncertainty can discourage investment, formal registration, transparency, and sound governance become essential building blocks for attracting finance and expanding into new markets. Changing the Narrative Perhaps the most inspiring story came from Aliko Das' reflection on remaining in Maiduguri despite the insurgency. His telecommunications business experienced significant losses during the conflict, yet he chose not to relocate. Instead, he rebuilt, expanded, and diversified into new ventures, including a technology-enabled investment platform and an e-commerce marketplace supporting local vendors. Looking back, he offered a statement that captures the confidence emerging within Borno's private sector: "If a business succeeds in Maiduguri, it can succeed anywhere." This is more than personal optimism—it is a challenge to outdated perceptions about doing business in Northeast Nigeria. An Ecosystem Taking Shape Entrepreneurs alone cannot transform an economy. Successful innovation ecosystems require collaboration among government agencies, universities, innovation hubs, financial institutions, investors, and development partners. The World MSME Day event demonstrated encouraging progress in this direction, bringing together entrepreneurs, government representatives, and ecosystem actors to discuss financing, business formalization, mentorship, and innovation. Participants also highlighted practical recommendations, including expanding affordable finance, strengthening business support services, promoting formal registration, and continuing mentorship platforms that connect experienced entrepreneurs with emerging founders. These conversations illustrate the growing maturity of Borno's entrepreneurial ecosystem and the willingness of stakeholders to work together. The Next Chapter Borno's future should not be measured only by the infrastructure rebuilt after conflict but also by the businesses created, the innovations developed, and the entrepreneurs empowered. Every startup launched creates opportunities for employment. Every woman entrepreneur supported strengthens household resilience. Every digital solution developed addresses local challenges while demonstrating that innovation can flourish in fragile contexts. The transformation of Northeast Nigeria will not be driven by humanitarian assistance alone. It will increasingly be shaped by entrepreneurs who are creating value, attracting investment, and redefining what is possible. The next chapter of Borno's story is already being written—not on the frontlines of conflict, but in innovation hubs, workshops, marketplaces, technology companies, and small businesses across the state. The world should take notice.