Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in partnership with the Gates Foundation have announced the launch of the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub, a new initiative to accelerate the development of AI-driven solutions that improve lives and expand opportunity across key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
This was announced during the Scaling Hub MOU signing ceremony between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and Gates Foundation, held in Abuja.
Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is a multi-stakeholder initiative that will coordinate the scaling of AI solutions in the country.
The hub will also convene government agencies, private sector tech companies, academia, and development partners to support large-scale implementation AI innovations.
The Gates Foundation is supporting the Nigeria Scaling Hub with up to $7.5 million commitment over a three-year period.
Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, said the AI Scaling hub will act as medium for local innovators to translate ideas into meaningful impacts.
According to him “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.”
He said that ” the AI Scaling Hub initiative will advance the government’s efforts to identify, develop, and scale high-impact Al solutions that address innovation in these key sectors, as well as position Nigeria as an exemplar for emerging technologies in Africa.”
Dr. Tijani further highlighted the progress made by the government of Nigeria in the adoption of AI, including the recent drafting of the National AI Strategy developed to ensure its responsible deployment.
Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government in the development of AI-driven solutions.
“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.”
As AI technologies continue to evolve, the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub offers a model for how governments and partners can work together to scale innovations that improve health outcomes, enhance education systems, and boost agricultural productivity, while ensuring digital transformation benefits all Nigerians.