African artificial intelligence talent startup Talent Nation has secured pre-seed funding from a group of investors to expand its training programmes and connect African engineers with technology companies seeking specialised AI skills.
The funding round was co-led by Africa-focused venture capital firm Enza Capital and London-based LocalGlobe, with participation from Future Africa, Kaleo Ventures, Ajim Capital, Solving the World’s Greatest Problems and Accelerate Africa.
The amount raised was not disclosed.
Individual investors in the round included Sir John Lazar, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Saul Klein, co-founder and managing partner of LocalGlobe.
The investment comes after Talent Nation spent 18 months operating in stealth mode. The startup was co-founded by Nigerian technology entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and its chief executive officer, Kesiah Valkin.
Aboyeji previously co-founded Flutterwave, the African payments technology company, and Andela, a talent development firm that trains and connects software developers with global employers.
Talent Nation aims to address the growing demand for specialised artificial intelligence engineering skills by identifying, training and certifying African developers before connecting them with international employers.
Its training initiative, Learn2Earn NG, operates a tuition-free model for selected participants. Rather than charging students for training, the company generates revenue by connecting qualified engineers with businesses seeking technical talent.
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The startup said it had received more than 63,000 applications for its programme, with over 32,000 candidates assessed so far. It currently supports approximately 1,400 active fellows across nine physical campuses in Nigeria.
Talent Nation plans to use the funding to strengthen its training infrastructure, expand participation and build relationships with international companies looking to recruit AI engineers.
The company has set a long-term target of training, certifying and placing one million African AI engineers over the next decade.
The ambition comes as businesses across industries increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, creating demand for professionals who can develop, deploy and maintain AI systems.
For African technology workers, the model is designed to provide access to specialised training and international employment opportunities without the upfront cost of tuition. For employers, it offers a potential source of skilled engineers as competition for AI talent intensifies globally.
However, the one-million-engineer target remains a long-term ambition, while the company’s current reported cohort stands at about 1,400 active fellows.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
