Gates Foundation Backs Nigerian AI Scaling Hub with $7.5M Boost

In a landmark move to accelerate technological innovation in Africa, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has formalized the establishment of the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub. This initiative was sealed through a collaborative agreement, with the Gates Foundation committing up to $7.5 million in financial support and technical guidance.

The development was announced in a statement released by the State House late Tuesday and obtained by News.ng.

The meeting was attended by Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Gates Foundation; Minister Tijani; and senior foundation representatives Paulin Basinga, Uche Amaonwu, and Bunmi Okunowo.

According to the statement, the meeting built upon earlier engagements between Dr. Tijani, Mr. Gates, and emerging African innovators—conversations in which artificial intelligence featured prominently.

The dialogue focused on two core pillars of Nigeria’s digital transformation: connectivity infrastructure and AI development.

The AI Scaling Hub is designed to accelerate the application of AI across healthcare, agriculture, and education sectors identified as critical to improving the lives of Nigerian citizens.

Dr. Tijani described the occasion as both personally meaningful and nationally significant. “This is a significant milestone for us,” he said. “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.”

The Gates Foundation’s financial commitment reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s innovation potential and supports the Tinubu-Shettima administration’s vision of building a technology-driven economy grounded in local expertise, inclusive digital access, and homegrown innovation.