In a major step toward advancing Nigeria’s digital innovation, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, welcomed Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and a senior delegation to finalize a landmark agreement.
The signing establishes the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub, backed by up to $7.5 million in funding and technical expertise from the Gates Foundation.
The agreement follows prior discussions between Dr. Tijani, Gates, and young African innovators, where artificial intelligence emerged as a pivotal focus. The new AI Hub will prioritize developing solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and education—sectors critical to improving Nigerian lives. The initiative underscores the Tinubu-Shettima administration’s push to position Nigeria as a digital leader in Africa.
ALSO READ: OPENAI CEO SAM ALTMAN DECLARES AI AS WORKPLACE COLLEAGUE
“This is a significant milestone,” Dr. Tijani said. “We are shaping technology to address real challenges and unlock Nigeria’s potential under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.”
The Gates Foundation’s investment signals strong global confidence in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The delegation, including Paulin Basinga, Uche Amaonwu, and Bunmi Okunowo, engaged with Nigerian officials to align the Hub’s goals with national priorities like connectivity and AI-driven growth.
The AI Scaling Hub is expected to foster homegrown solutions, leveraging local talent and inclusive digital access to drive economic progress. This partnership marks a bold step in Nigeria’s journey to build a future-ready, technology-driven economy.
