From Victor Osula, Abuja
The federal government has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) scaling hub, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, to accelerate the responsible development and scale-up of AI-driven solutions that improve lives and expand opportunity across key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
The initiative was announced during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the Gates Foundation, held in Abuja.
The Gates Foundation is supporting the Nigeria Scaling Hub with to $7.5 million commitment over a three-year period.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, highlighted the progress made by the Federal government in the adoption of AI, including the recent drafting of the National AI Strategy, developed to ensure its responsible deployment.
Dr Tijani described the moment as both personal and national. “This is a significant milestone for us. We are not just adopting technology; we are shaping it to serve our people, address real challenges, and unlock Nigeria’s full potential under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“By working with the Gates Foundation, we are strengthening our capacity to ensure that AI-driven solutions are developed responsibly and deployed equitably. The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a catalyst for Nigerian innovators — providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact”, he said
Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director, the Gates Foundation, said, “AI is transforming how we address development challenges — unlocking new ways to improve lives and strengthen systems. We’re proud to support the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub with the Government of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, investing in local talent and innovation to ensure the benefits of AI reach those who need them most.”
The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is a multi-stakeholder initiative that will coordinate the scaling of mature AI solutions in the country. The hub will convene government agencies, private sector tech. It offers a model for how governments and partners can work together to scale innovations that improve health outcomes, enhance education systems, and boost agricultural productivity, ensuring digital transformation benefits all Nigerians.
The Gates Foundation’s investment highlights global confidence in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and reinforces the Tinubu-Shettima administration’s commitment to building a forward-looking economy powered by local talent, inclusive digital access, and homegrown solutions.
