The Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale) team has opened a new chapter in Nigeria’s agricultural technology landscape.
The team, led by Director, AIM for Scale Secretariat, Imara Salas, and Scientific Director, Mohammad Farrae, visited Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, to discuss joint efforts in AI-powered weather forecasting for farmers.
The visit focused on co-developing scalable weather and climate systems to support millions of smallholder farmers. It also aimed to expand Nigeria’s access to advanced weather services that improve productivity and climate resilience.
Salas explained that AIM for Scale bridges the gap between innovation and agricultural practice. She said the initiative links cutting-edge science with local impact, ensuring that research outcomes reach the farmers who need them most.
“Our goal is to unite governments, innovators, and investors to co-create scalable, AI-driven weather solutions,” she said. “NiMet is a vital partner in realising this vision.”
She further revealed that AIM for Scale applies a vertical fund-style approach to pool investments and scale up climate-smart innovations. According to her, this ensures cost-effective, sustainable solutions that reach farmers across developing nations.
AIM for Scale brings together several world-leading institutions and funding bodies. These include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, USAID, NASA, MIT, Community Jameel, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and the University of Chicago’s AI for Climate (AICE) initiative.
The consortium also collaborates with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF).
This powerful network channels global expertise into AI weather innovation, transforming agricultural risk management and decision-making for millions of farmers.
Salas described Nigeria’s participation as “a major step forward” for climate-smart agriculture in Africa. She emphasised NiMet’s technical strength and strategic role in transforming high-level forecasts into actionable data for local communities.
In his response, Professor Charles Anosike praised the AIM for Scale team for selecting Nigeria as one of its pilot countries. He said NiMet’s inclusion demonstrates growing confidence in the agency’s technical capability and leadership in Africa.
Anosike also highlighted NiMet’s participation in the recent AI Weather Training in Abu Dhabi, noting that it further strengthened Nigeria’s preparedness to adopt cutting-edge climate technologies.
“By embracing AI-driven forecasting, we are improving accuracy and ensuring timely weather information for the farmers who feed our nation,” Anosike said.
He explained that AI-based weather systems improve the precision and speed of forecasts, enabling better planning and reduced losses. However, he noted the challenges of limited radar coverage and in-situ stations across Nigeria, underscoring the need for expanded infrastructure.
Following the discussions, the AIM for Scale team toured NiMet’s Central Forecasting Office to observe its operational systems and data integration processes firsthand.
At the end of the meeting, AIM for Scale and NiMet agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration. The MoU will focus on joint research initiatives, capacity development, and innovation sustainability.
Both institutions will co-develop AI-powered weather products designed for agricultural planning, risk reduction, and long-term climate resilience. This agreement is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s role in global agricultural innovation and ensure sustainable access to accurate weather information.
Salas concluded that AIM for Scale’s long-term vision is to create a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem where data, technology, and investment intersect to empower farmers.
“We are building a model that delivers real impact for millions,” she said. “Together with NiMet, we can transform weather services into a foundation for food security.”
The collaboration reflects a new phase in Nigeria’s agricultural modernisation journey, one driven by artificial intelligence, global partnerships, and a shared commitment to farmers’ resilience.
