Israel has pledged to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in artificial intelligence, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation as both countries seek to strengthen technology partnerships.

The commitment was announced by Israel's Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, during the closing ceremony of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp 2026 in Abuja.

The four-day programme, organised by Innov8 Hub under the theme "From Ideas to Impact: Building AI-Enabled Ventures for the Future," brought together startup founders, researchers, entrepreneurs and young innovators to explore the role of artificial intelligence in business development and economic growth.

Israel expands AI partnership with Nigeria

Speaking at the event, Freeman said Israel is pursuing an ambitious strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and intends to share its expertise with Nigeria through existing and future partnerships.

According to the ambassador, the collaboration will extend beyond current initiatives and involve broader engagement between both countries in areas including innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.

He described the programme as the beginning of a more strategic relationship in the AI sector, adding that both countries could benefit from increased knowledge sharing and technology cooperation.

The initiative builds on growing diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Israel, with both nations recently reaffirming commitments to cooperation across technology, security, healthcare and economic development.



AI seen as a tool for job creation and entrepreneurship

Freeman also challenged concerns that artificial intelligence could lead to widespread job losses, arguing instead that the technology presents opportunities for business growth, productivity and employment creation.

He said AI can help entrepreneurs improve products, scale operations and build more competitive businesses while creating new opportunities across different sectors of the economy.

The ambassador further stressed the importance of ensuring African perspectives are represented in the development of emerging technologies, noting that wider adoption of AI across the continent would help strengthen Nigerian and African participation in global innovation.

Participants at the bootcamp explored practical applications of AI across industries including agriculture, education, healthcare, sustainability and community development.

Startups and innovators encouraged to build locally

Representatives from Israeli entrepreneurship organisation Unistream praised the quality of solutions presented during the programme, noting that many participants were developing products capable of addressing both local and global challenges.

Organisers said the bootcamp was designed to help entrepreneurs use artificial intelligence to increase productivity, improve business efficiency and create employment opportunities rather than replace workers.

Gregory Ibe Jr., Managing Director of Innov8 Hub, said the programme focused on practical AI adoption that strengthens businesses and supports economic growth.

According to organisers, approximately 20 teams participated in the initiative, presenting ideas aimed at solving challenges across multiple sectors.

As AI adoption accelerates globally, the collaboration highlights Nigeria's growing importance within Africa's technology ecosystem and reflects increasing international interest in supporting the country's startup and innovation landscape.