Artificial Intelligence is set to play a bigger role in Nigeria’s development journey as the Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a strategic agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub, backed by $7.5 million in funding and technical expertise. The initiative is set to position Nigeria at the forefront of AI innovation in Africa, with a strong focus on practical solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, following a high-level meeting with Microsoft founder Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation team in Abuja. This agreement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital journey and reflects growing confidence in the country’s ability to lead globally in tech-driven development.
“This moment means a lot — personally and nationally,” Dr. Tijani said. “We’re not just adopting technology; we’re shaping it to solve real problems. With this Hub, we can leverage AI to improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians in the sectors that matter most.”
A Historic Commitment
The AI Scaling Hub is not just about cutting-edge technology. It is about impact. It aims to empower local innovators, build talent pipelines, and foster an enabling environment for the ethical and responsible use of AI across public and private sectors. The hub will act as a national platform to catalyze partnerships, accelerate pilots, and scale AI applications tailored to Nigeria’s development needs.
The agreement comes during Bill Gates’ visit to Nigeria, part of a broader Africa tour during which he is meeting with leaders and innovators to reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to the continent. In a statement, the Foundation revealed that a significant portion of its projected $200 billion spend over the next 20 years will go toward Africa — prioritizing partnerships with governments focused on health, innovation, and inclusive growth.
“Despite global headwinds, now is the time for African leaders to double down on innovation and partnership,” Gates emphasized. He also reiterated his personal commitment to philanthropy, announcing that 99% of his wealth will be given away, with the Gates Foundation expected to sunset by 2045.
Building on Momentum
Dr. Tijani’s engagement with Bill Gates builds on earlier conversations, including a powerful dialogue with young African innovators prior to his appointment as Minister, where AI was a central theme. The announcement of the AI Scaling Hub now turns those early visions into action.
“We’re moving from ideas to execution,” Dr. Tijani noted, adding that the Hub will act as a critical link between local innovation and global resources. “It’s not just about funding, but about trust, expertise, and long-term collaboration.”
What’s Next?
While detailed plans are still being finalized, the Hub is expected to facilitate the creation of AI tools and infrastructure that are inclusive, open-source, and aligned with national priorities. Pilot projects in smart diagnostics, agricultural forecasting, and adaptive learning platforms are likely among the early use cases.
The partnership symbolizes a bold shift in Nigeria’s technology diplomacy — not just participating in the global digital economy, but actively shaping it. With the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub, the country is sending a clear message: it’s ready to lead in Africa’s AI future.
