The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub in partnership with the Bill Gates Foundation.
The hub is a new initiative meant to accelerate the responsible development and scale-up of AI-driven solutions in the health, agriculture, and education sectors.
The partnership was announced in Abuja during the signing of the MoU between the ministry and the Gates Foundation on Tuesday.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, signed on behalf of the government, while Mr. Bill Gates signed on behalf of his foundation.
Tijani said the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is a multi-stakeholder initiative that would coordinate the scaling of mature, AI solutions in the country.
The minister said the Gates Foundation was supporting the hub with a $7.5 million commitment over three years.
“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 catalyse Nigerian innovators — providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact,” Tijani said.
The minister noted that the AI Scaling Hub initiative would advance the government’s efforts to identify, develop, and scale up high-impact Al solutions that address innovation in these key sectors, as well as position Nigeria as an exemplar for emerging technologies in Africa.
“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,” said Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu.
At the meeting, Tijani highlighted the progress the government has made in the adoption of AI, including the recent drafting of the National AI Strategy to ensure its responsible deployment.
