Nigeria has signed a ₦11,840,812,500.00 ($7.5 million) partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub, aiming to drive innovation across healthcare, agriculture, and education.
The landmark agreement, sealed in Abuja during a visit to the office of Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, signals a significant step in Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa in responsible AI deployment and digital transformation.
The AI Scaling Hub, backed by funding and technical support from the Gates Foundation, is expected to fast-track AI solutions in sectors deemed vital to improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
The AI Scaling Hub, backed by funding and technical support from the Gates Foundation, is expected to fast-track AI solutions in sectors deemed vital to improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
“This initiative will help accelerate the application of AI in healthcare, agriculture, and education—critical sectors where impact matters most to everyday Nigerians,” Dr Tijani says after the signing.
The announcement follows a major strategic pitch by Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and Co-Chair of the Gates Foundation, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. At the Foundation’s “Inspiring Progress” event, Gates urges African nations to lead global adoption of AI and digital public infrastructure (DPI) to solve pressing development challenges.
“Today, mid-way into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, I had the honour of welcoming Mr Gates, Paulin Basinga, Uche Amaonwu, Bunmi Okunowo, and the incredible Gates Foundation team to my office,” Dr Tijani adds.
Bill Gates wants African nations to deploy AI ahead of wealthier nations
The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a national platform to test and deploy ethical AI tools that can solve local problems, in line with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy.
“Our conversation was rich—anchored on two pillars critical to Nigeria’s future: Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence.”
He describes the agreement as a “historic moment” that reflects growing international trust in Nigeria’s tech and innovation leadership.
The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a national platform to test and deploy ethical AI tools that can solve local problems, in line with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy.
The Foundation’s financial and strategic backing underscores Gates’ broader commitment to Africa. At the AU event, Gates reveals that the bulk of his fortune will be invested on the continent over the next two decades to bolster innovation in health, education, and agriculture.
Reflecting on a prior engagement with Gates before entering government, Dr Tijani recalls moderating a conversation between the tech billionaire and young African innovators.
“Artificial Intelligence featured strongly that day, alongside a clear call to strengthen the innovation ecosystem to unlock Africa’s full potential.”
“This moment means a lot—personally and nationally. I’m grateful for the trust, collaboration, and shared belief that Nigeria can lead, not just in adopting technology, but in shaping it to solve real problems.”
The AI Scaling Hub, the Minister says, complements other Federal Government initiatives aimed at building a digitally inclusive Nigeria and placing the country at the forefront of Africa’s innovation agenda.
Reflecting on his earlier encounter with Gates before joining the cabinet, Dr. Tijani recalls: “A few weeks before my appointment as Minister, I had the privilege of moderating a powerful conversation with @BillGates and young African innovators. Artificial Intelligence featured strongly that day alongside a clear call to strengthen the innovation ecosystem to unlock Africa’s full potential.”
“This moment means a lot personally and nationally. I’m grateful for the trust, collaboration, and shared belief that Nigeria can lead, not just in adopting technology, but in shaping it to solve real problems,” he says.
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