Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has emerged as one of the leading voices shaping the global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI). His recent inclusion in the TIME100 Most Influential People in AI for 2025 marks not only personal recognition but also a validation of Nigeria’s growing role in the future of digital innovation.
The TIME list, which also features global heavyweights such as Elon Musk of xAI, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and Andy Jassy of Amazon, spotlights individuals driving transformation in one of the world’s most consequential technologies. For Tijani, the acknowledgment underscores the importance of Nigeria’s AI journey and the nation’s ambitions to position itself as a digital powerhouse in Africa and beyond.
Building a National AI Strategy
Since assuming office, Tijani has championed a long-term approach to AI development. He spearheaded the creation of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy (NAIS), co-designed by more than 120 domestic and diaspora experts, with the aim of ensuring the responsible and inclusive use of AI across critical sectors. The strategy focuses on translating AI’s potential into practical use cases in healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial inclusion—areas where technology can have an immediate and transformative impact.
To strengthen the ecosystem, Tijani has launched several initiatives: the AI Collective, a community of researchers and practitioners supported by the Luminate Group; the AI Trust, a governance body that ensures continuity of AI investments beyond political cycles; and an AI Scaling Hub in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to implement proven solutions across vital industries. These initiatives, coupled with collaborations with global partners such as Google, reflect Nigeria’s holistic approach to embedding AI in its economy.
The Startup Mentality in Government
A longtime entrepreneur, Tijani brings a startup mindset into government—a trait that has shaped his leadership style and policy agenda. He often emphasizes that while Nigeria may not yet have the level of compute infrastructure available in advanced economies, it has an abundant resource in talent. Harnessing that talent has become a central theme of his work.
This vision is most clearly embodied in the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, launched under his leadership. The initiative aims to equip three million Nigerians with in-demand digital skills by 2027. So far, nearly 300,000 Nigerians have been trained through a mix of digital platforms and 220 in-person learning centers across the country. Beyond training, the program emphasizes employability, partnering with organizations such as the United Nations-European Union and private firms like Awarri to provide internships and job placements for graduates.
For Tijani, the program’s impact extends beyond workforce readiness. Many 3MTT graduates are now deployed within government ministries to digitize operations and build localized datasets. These datasets are critical for training AI systems that reflect Nigerian realities, thereby making AI tools more relevant and effective in solving local challenges.
Expanding Infrastructure for Digital Growth
Recognizing that skills and AI strategies require strong infrastructure to thrive, Tijani has also championed ambitious plans to expand Nigeria’s digital backbone. With funding from development partners like the World Bank, the government is rolling out 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables, more than tripling the nation’s existing capacity. This infrastructure push is essential to enable widespread internet access, support AI deployment, and foster digital inclusion across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
A Vision for Inclusive Innovation
For Tijani, the global AI movement is not the preserve of Silicon Valley or advanced economies. “There’s no country where you have the ecosystem that is creating AI without government participation,” he told TIME, underscoring his belief that the state must play an active role in driving innovation. His policies are rooted in this philosophy, balancing private sector dynamism with government leadership to build a sustainable digital future.
His recognition by TIME places him alongside the most influential innovators of the age, but it also shines a spotlight on Nigeria as a rising player in the global digital economy. The minister has repeatedly tied AI and digital innovation to President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy, positioning technology as both an enabler of productivity and a pathway to inclusive prosperity.
Looking Ahead
Bosun Tijani’s journey—from tech entrepreneur to cabinet minister and now a globally recognized AI influencer—illustrates the growing intersection of governance, innovation, and development. His work is reshaping Nigeria’s digital landscape, bridging local realities with global opportunities, and ensuring that the country is not just a consumer of technology but also a contributor to its evolution.
As Nigeria expands its fiber networks, scales its AI programs, and trains its next generation of digital talent, Tijani’s vision offers a roadmap for how emerging economies can harness technology to solve their most pressing challenges. His influence on the global AI stage is not just about recognition—it is about proving that Africa can lead in shaping the technologies of the future.
