Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is poised to become a significant player in Africa’s artificial intelligence landscape following the launch of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub, backed by a $7.5 million commitment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the next three years.
This landmark initiative, unveiled during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, aims to accelerate the responsible development and large-scale deployment of AI-driven solutions across critical sectors including health, agriculture, and education.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, is spearheading this multi-stakeholder hub. It will serve as a crucial platform, bringing together government agencies, private sector tech companies, academia, and development partners to coordinate and implement mature AI innovations nationwide.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasized the hub’s pivotal role in translating AI concepts into tangible impact.
“By working with the Gates Foundation, we are strengthening our capacity to ensure that AI-driven solutions are developed responsibly and deployed equitably,” Dr. Tijani stated.
He further noted that the AI Scaling Hub will act as a catalyst for Nigerian innovators, providing essential resources, mentorship, and support to transform their ideas into impactful solutions.
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the Nigerian government’s broader strategy for embracing emerging technologies and complements the draft National AI Strategy, which is designed to guide the ethical and effective deployment of AI across various sectors.
Uche Amaonwu, the Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, highlighted AI’s transformative potential in addressing global development challenges.
“AI is transforming how we address development challenges—unlocking new ways to improve lives and strengthen systems,” Amaonwu said.
He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI reach underserved populations, noting the partnership with the Nigerian government and the Lagos Business School in investing in local talent and innovation.
The AI Scaling Hub is expected to identify and expand high-impact AI solutions across Nigeria, solidifying the nation’s position as a reference point for responsible AI innovation in Africa. It will also contribute significantly to the country’s digital transformation agenda by enhancing access to innovative technologies for improved service delivery in key areas.
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It’s noteworthy that the Gates Foundation extended similar support to Rwanda earlier this year, providing a $7.5 million grant for a comparable AI initiative, underscoring their commitment to advancing AI capabilities across the continent.
