The Gates Foundation has named Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, among its 2026 Goalkeepers Champions, recognising his contributions to digital transformation and artificial intelligence development in Africa.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media & Communications, Isime Esene.
The recognition places Tijani among a group of global leaders, innovators, advocates and changemakers working to promote a more equitable future through technology and innovation.
According to the Foundation, the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions are helping shape a future in which artificial intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepening inequality. It also highlighted Tijani’s efforts to promote domestic AI capabilities in Africa and reduce dependence on technologies developed elsewhere.
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The recognition ceremony is scheduled for September 21, 2026, in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Since assuming office, Tijani has pursued initiatives aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, developing Nigeria’s technology talent, strengthening digital skills and using AI to support inclusive economic growth.
Under his leadership, the Ministry developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), providing a coordinated framework for AI development in Nigeria. The ministry also established the AI Research Fund to support local research and innovation.
Other initiatives include N-ATLAS, an indigenous large language model designed to reflect Nigerian languages and local contexts, as well as the National AI Trust, which is intended to promote safe, ethical and responsible AI deployment.
The minister’s recognition follows Nigeria’s reported improvement in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index.
In 2025, Tijani was also named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI.
Tijani joins other 2026 Goalkeepers Champions whose work spans technology, education, agriculture, policy and culture.
