Grace Ashiru
African artificial intelligence talent development startup Talent Nation has secured pre-seed funding to expand its training programmes and connect skilled African AI engineers with international technology companies.
The investment 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.
Individual investors included Sir John Lazar, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Saul Klein, co-founder and managing partner of LocalGlobe.
Although the funding amount was not disclosed, the investment follows Talent Nation’s emergence from 18 months of stealth operations.
Co-founded by Nigerian technology entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and CEO Kesiah Valkin, Talent Nation aims to address the global shortage of specialised artificial intelligence engineering professionals.
Aboyeji previously co-founded African technology companies Flutterwave and Andela, bringing experience in technology entrepreneurship and talent development to the venture.
The startup operates through Learn2Earn NG, a training initiative designed to identify, develop, certify, and connect African developers with employment opportunities in international technology markets.
According to the company, its programme has attracted more than 63,000 applications, with over 32,000 candidates assessed so far.
Talent Nation currently supports approximately 1,400 active fellows across nine physical campuses in Nigeria, providing training intended to prepare participants for professional AI engineering roles.
The initiative operates a tuition-free model, allowing selected developers to receive training without paying educational fees.
Instead, the company generates revenue by connecting qualified engineering talent with international enterprises seeking specialised technical expertise.
Talent Nation has outlined an ambitious long-term objective of training, certifying, and placing one million African AI engineers over the next decade.
The company believes this approach could create employment opportunities for African professionals while helping global businesses address growing demand for AI expertise.
Its expansion comes as artificial intelligence adoption increases across industries, creating demand for engineers capable of developing, deploying, and maintaining advanced AI systems.
With support from its investors, Talent Nation intends to strengthen its training infrastructure, increase participation, and establish stronger relationships with global employers.
The investment positions the startup to pursue its ambition of making Africa a major source of internationally competitive artificial intelligence engineering talent.
