The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Scaling Hub — a multi-stakeholder initiative backed by a $7.5 million funding commitment spread over three years.
The landmark initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Abuja between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Gates Foundation. The initiative aims to catalyze the responsible development, scaling, and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions across three key sectors: healthcare, agriculture, and education.
According to the official statement released by the Ministry, the AI Scaling Hub will serve as a national platform bringing together stakeholders from the public sector, private technology companies, academia, and development partners to support the large-scale implementation of tested and impactful AI solutions.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, “The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a catalyst for Nigerian innovators — providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact. With the support of the Gates Foundation, we are not only building AI solutions but ensuring that they are developed responsibly and deployed equitably.”
Tijani noted that the new AI hub aligns with Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy and supports the government’s broader digital transformation agenda. The goal, he said, is to empower local innovators to address development challenges using cutting-edge technologies while ensuring that no group is left behind.
Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director for the Gates Foundation, highlighted the global implications of AI and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that the technology benefits the most vulnerable.
“AI is transforming how we address development challenges—unlocking new ways to improve lives and strengthen systems,” Amaonwu said. “We’re proud to support the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub with the Government of Nigeria and the Lagos Business School. This investment is about empowering local talent and ensuring that the advantages of AI are felt by those who need it the most.”
The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub will focus on identifying and accelerating the adoption of high-impact, locally relevant AI applications that can improve public service delivery and outcomes, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Notably, our correspondent gathered that this initiative mirrors a similar partnership the Gates Foundation launched with the Rwandan government in April 2025, where the foundation also committed $7.5 million to establish a national AI Scaling Hub.
This move signals a growing continental strategy by the Gates Foundation to position African countries at the forefront of responsible AI innovation. With Nigeria and Rwanda now at the center of this transformative effort, experts anticipate broader regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing that could boost Africa’s collective AI capacity.
The AI Scaling Hub also feeds directly into Nigeria’s efforts to become a leader in emerging technologies, a goal outlined in its Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030). The policy framework emphasizes indigenous innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive growth — all key themes embedded in the new AI initiative.
Moreover, stakeholders expect the hub to foster strong public-private partnerships, foster research collaboration with universities, and encourage investment in AI startups tackling real-world problems. By focusing on scale and sustainability, the project seeks to move beyond pilots and ensure that successful AI models are deployed where they matter most.
As Nigeria pushes to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence, the launch of the AI Scaling Hub, supported by one of the world’s foremost philanthropic institutions, represents more than just a financial investment. It is a strategic commitment to a future where innovation works for everyone — from farmers and students to healthcare workers and local entrepreneurs.
With this bold step, Nigeria is not only strengthening its digital economy but also redefining its role as a continental leader in responsible AI development.