Theme: Empowering African Entrepreneurs with AI Literacy
West Africa stands at the threshold of a new digital economy. As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape industries across the world, the question is no longer whether businesses should adopt AI, but whether they are prepared to compete in an AI-driven marketplace.
To bridge this growing skills gap, InnoPower Africa, in partnership with the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC), is launching the AI Master Trainer Program– a transformative two-day initiative designed to equip professionals with practical AI skills and create a ripple effect of digital empowerment across West Africa.
Hosted at the United Nations House, Abuja, on August 3–4, 2026, the program will certify more than 250 AI Master Trainers, each committed to training at least 50 small business owners, expanding AI literacy throughout the ECOWAS region.
This initiative is more than a training event, it is a movement to build a digitally empowered Africa where entrepreneurs, educators, government institutions and business leaders work together to unlock economic opportunity through Artificial Intelligence.
The Conveners
Behind this ambitious initiative are two organizations committed to expanding access to technology and entrepreneurship across Africa.
InnoPower Africa
Founded by Emil Nabo Ekiyor, InnoPower Africa is dedicated to democratizing AI education by making emerging technologies accessible to entrepreneurs, professionals, educators and underserved communities. Through practical training and strategic partnerships, the organization is helping Africans develop the digital skills needed to thrive in the future economy.
ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC)
Led by Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition is a regional platform focused on strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises across the fifteen ECOWAS member states. The coalition advocates for policies, partnerships and capacity-building initiatives that enable entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to regional economic development.
Together, InnoPower Africa and ESBC are creating a scalable model for AI adoption, one that empowers local professionals to become trainers, mentors and catalysts for innovation within their own communities.
The Invited Dignitaries
The significance of this initiative is reflected in the caliber of leaders expected to participate. Their presence underscores the growing recognition that AI literacy is central to Africa’s economic transformation.
Among the invited dignitaries are:
- Ms. Jumoke Oduwole – Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah – UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative
- H.E. Dr. Kalilou Sylla – ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture
- Mr. Philbert Johnson – UNIDO Country Representative
- Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi – Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Mr. Charles Odii – Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)
- H.E. Wamkele Mene – Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Their participation reflects a shared commitment among government, regional institutions, development partners and the private sector to advance digital innovation, strengthen entrepreneurship and prepare African businesses for the opportunities of the AI economy.
Building an AI-Powered Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The AI Master Trainer Program is designed with long-term impact in mind.
More than 250 certified AI Master Trainers will each be tasked with training 50 small business owners, creating an immediate reach of 12,500 entrepreneurs equipped with practical AI skills.
As these entrepreneurs integrate AI into their businesses and in turn share their knowledge with employees, colleagues and fellow business owners, the impact will continue to multiply across industries and borders. This train-the-trainer approach lays the foundation for a sustainable ecosystem of AI adoption that can accelerate productivity, improve business competitiveness and drive inclusive economic growth throughout West Africa.
The future of African entrepreneurship is being built today and it begins with knowledge, collaboration and the power of Artificial Intelligence.
To attend, kindly reach out to us at info@innopower.ai.
