The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing the responsible development and large-scale implementation of AI-powered solutions in Nigeria.
The announcement was made during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Abuja between the Ministry and the Gates Foundation.
Accelerating AI Innovation for Health, Agriculture, and Education
The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together government agencies, private sector technology companies, academic institutions, and development partners. Its core objective is to coordinate the scaling of mature AI innovations across key sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Education
The initiative will support Nigerian innovators with access to resources, mentorship, funding, and technical expertise to turn high-potential ideas into impactful AI-driven solutions that address pressing national challenges.
“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.”
— Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy
$7.5 Million Commitment from the Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is backing the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub with a three-year funding commitment of up to $7.5 million. This investment underscores the foundation’s dedication to supporting local talent, innovation ecosystems, and equitable technology deployment in Nigeria.
“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.”
— Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director, Gates Foundation
Advancing Nigeria’s AI and Digital Transformation Strategy
The AI Scaling Hub aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital strategy, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which was recently developed to ensure responsible AI adoption across the country.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the government’s ongoing progress in creating policies and frameworks that foster AI innovation, ethics, and inclusion. The Scaling Hub is expected to act as a launchpad for impactful AI applications, helping Nigeria:
- Enhance healthcare delivery with AI-powered diagnostics and remote care solutions
- Improve educational systems through personalized learning and smart analytics
- Boost agricultural productivity using AI-enabled data and smart farming tools
Nigeria AI Scaling Hub: A Model for Africa
As emerging technologies like AI continue to evolve, the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub offers a compelling blueprint for how governments and development partners can work together to drive innovation while ensuring inclusivity, ethics, and long-term impact.
The hub positions Nigeria as a continental leader in AI adoption and sets the stage for future technology-driven development across Africa.
