A global community built around artificial intelligence-assisted software development has expanded into Nigeria, launching its first Lagos gathering as part of a wider effort to plug local developers into an international network spanning more than 50 cities.

The initiative, branded Café Cursor, is a city-based meetup format built around users of the Cursor AI code editor, an increasingly popular programming tool that uses artificial intelligence to help developers write, edit, and debug code. The Lagos edition marks the platform’s debut in Nigeria, alongside hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Organisers said the format is designed to move beyond conventional tech conferences by creating a hands-on environment where participants build software collaboratively while using AI tools in real time.

“This is not just about Cursor; it’s about ensuring Nigeria participates actively in shaping the future of AI,” said developer relations engineer Joshua Omobola, convener of the Lagos edition. He added that the goal is to reposition Nigeria from a “late adopter” of technology to a more proactive contributor to global innovation.

The Lagos event drew significantly higher interest than expected. Although organisers initially planned for about 100 participants, they received roughly 700 applications, reflecting rising demand among Nigerian developers for access to AI tools and global communities.

Participants included experienced software engineers, students, and first-time builders, who worked in groups on mobile applications, web platforms, and AI-driven tools. Sessions also focused on how artificial intelligence can be integrated into coding, design, and product development workflows.

Co-host of the Lagos chapter Farhan Sodiq said Café Cursor is part of a broader effort to build a developer ecosystem around AI tools. “What we’re doing is bringing people together to learn, build, and ship products using AI,” he said. “It’s also about showing that developers in Nigeria are working with the same tools and standards as their peers globally.”

The expansion into Nigeria comes amid growing global adoption of AI-assisted coding tools, which are increasingly used to reduce development time and lower barriers for new entrants into software development. Tools such as Cursor allow users to generate and refine code using natural language prompts, effectively acting as a programming assistant.

For some participants, the appeal lies as much in community access as in the technology itself. Software engineer Andrew Miracle said, “You’re meeting people who are building at the edge of AI. It’s not just about learning; it’s about seeing how others are working and improving your own approach.”

Organisers said a key challenge in Nigeria’s emerging AI ecosystem remains access to tools and funding, with many advanced platforms priced in foreign currency and therefore costly for local developers. To address this, participants were given free usage credits during the event.

Beyond technical access, organisers also highlighted the need for stronger policy engagement. Developer relations engineer Joshua Omobola said government participation would be critical to scaling innovation and ensuring long-term competitiveness. “We can’t afford to play catch-up,” he said. “We need to be part of the conversation and invest in it.”

The Lagos launch also featured early collaborations with organisations including Attention Factory and Madhouse, which hosted the event, as well as blockchain network Celo, which provides grant opportunities for developers building on its ecosystem.

Co-host Boma Boma Agina-obu said the initiative is designed to be inclusive and accessible to newcomers. “You don’t need to be an expert programmer,” she said. “With AI tools, people can start building by simply understanding the problem they want to solve and describing it clearly.”

Organisers said the Lagos edition will serve as a foundation for expansion into other Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, with plans for future hackathons and larger events aimed at deepening engagement and attracting investment into the local AI ecosystem.