InnoPower Africa and Luma Learn AI have announced a strategic partnership to expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools and education across the continent, with an ambitious target of reaching one million learners.
The initiative, recently inaugurated, is aimed at boosting AI literacy and promoting digital inclusion, particularly among underserved communities. It was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Remy Chukwunyere, Director for Africa at the InnoPower Africa Foundation.
Chris Folayan, co-founder and board chairman of Luma Learn AI, said the collaboration was driven by the urgent need to position Africa within the rapidly evolving global AI ecosystem. He noted that Africa’s AI market is projected to grow to between $16 billion and $18 billion by 2030, underscoring the importance of early adoption.
Folayan highlighted existing challenges, revealing that nearly 40 per cent of Africans still lack reliable broadband access, a gap he warned could widen development inequalities if not addressed. He stressed that delayed adoption of emerging technologies could hinder the continent’s global competitiveness.
According to him, Luma Learn AI is already making impact, having supported over 160,000 students and delivered more than 4.8 million learning sessions in 11 languages via WhatsApp. The platform offers free, personalised AI tutoring designed to reach learners often excluded from traditional systems.
“The goal is to reach one million children with accessible and inclusive AI-powered learning tools. Luma was built for the learner who has been overlooked by every other system. Partnering with InnoPower means we can scale faster and reach further,” Folayan said.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of InnoPower Africa, Emil Ekiyor, emphasised that the initiative would focus on providing structured access to AI tools, training, and infrastructure.
“Africa is not waiting for technology to arrive; Africans are already among the most active AI users globally. What we need is structured access, training, and infrastructure, and that is exactly what this partnership delivers,” he said.
Ekiyor explained that the programme would adopt a train-the-trainer model, equipping professionals to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while also integrating AI tools into training for educators and entrepreneurs across West Africa.
He revealed that InnoPower Africa is already collaborating with the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition to train 250 master trainers who will reach 12,500 small businesses. The organisation is also working with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to train 100 master trainers supporting 5,000 entrepreneurs.
The partnership will leverage networks across the United States and West Africa to drive adoption, mobilise funding, and expand professional engagement. As part of its rollout, the initiative aims to raise an initial $250,000 to scale access to AI learning tools across the ECOWAS subregion.
Target beneficiaries include students, teachers, families, and small business owners, with a strong emphasis on practical applications of AI.
Ekiyor noted that timely investment in AI education and infrastructure would play a critical role in determining Africa’s position in the global digital economy, as stakeholders push to ensure the continent is not left behind in the technology revolution.