Nigeria and Gates Foundation Partner to Launch AI Scaling Hub with $7.5m Investment
Jerry Adesewo
In a bold step to harness the power of artificial intelligence for national development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub.
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The deal, sealed during a high-level meeting in Abuja, includes a funding commitment of up to $7.5 million from the Gates Foundation, along with technical support for implementation.
The agreement was announced during a visit by Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Gates Foundation, and his senior delegation comprising Paulin Basinga, Uche Amaonwu, and Bunmi Okunowo.
The team was received by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who described the occasion as a “personal and national milestone.”
The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a national platform to develop and deploy AI-powered solutions in critical sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and education—areas where rapid innovation could translate to immediate improvements in quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
“This is a significant milestone for us,” Dr. Tijani said during the signing ceremony. “We are not just adopting technology; we are shaping it to serve our people, address real challenges, and unlock Nigeria’s full potential under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
This initiative builds on an earlier virtual conversation between Dr. Tijani, Mr. Gates, and a group of young African innovators, where the potential of AI to transform African economies was a key focus.
The Nigerian AI Scaling Hub is expected to drive inclusive innovation, enabling local developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to build transformative tools using artificial intelligence.
By providing funding, policy guidance, and access to international expertise, the partnership aims to ensure Nigeria becomes a leader in AI adoption across the continent.
Beyond AI, the meeting also spotlighted the importance of digital connectivity. Discussions between the government and the Gates Foundation explored strategies to expand broadband infrastructure and digital access, particularly in underserved rural communities.
With the establishment of the AI Hub, the Gates Foundation’s investment sends a strong signal of global confidence in Nigeria’s tech-driven future. The Tinubu administration has consistently emphasized innovation, digital transformation, and skills development as core components of its economic agenda.
Stakeholders say the partnership could be a game-changer. “This project underscores the growing synergy between government and global development partners in advancing technological solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs,” noted a senior official at the Ministry of Innovation.
As Nigeria joins the global race for AI advancement, the Scaling Hub is poised to become a vital catalyst for sustainable growth, job creation, and smarter governance—placing Nigeria on the map as a frontrunner in Africa’s digital renaissance.
Nigeria and Gates Foundation Partner to Launch AI Scaling Hub with $7.5m Investment