The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, on Tuesday announced the launching of Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Scaling Hub with a funding commitment of up to $7.5 million over three years.
The technological initiative was formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the Gates Foundation.
A statement issued on the partnership by the minister’s office indicated that the initiative was designed to accelerate the responsible development and large-scale deployment of AI-driven solutions across the health, agriculture, and education sectors.
The statement partly read: “The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is a multi-stakeholder initiative that will coordinate the scaling of mature AI solutions in the country. The hub will convene government agencies, private sector tech companies, academia, and development partners to support the large-scale implementation of mature AI innovations.
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“The Gates Foundation is supporting the Nigeria Scaling Hub with up to $7.5m commitment over a three-year period”, it added.
The Minister was quoted in the statement as saying during the MoU signing that the hub will play a critical role in translating AI ideas into measurable impact.
He expatiated: “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.”
Tijani maintained that the initiative was aimed at complementing the Federal Government’s broader efforts to adopt emerging technologies and that it aligns with the draft National AI Strategy developed to guide the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across sectors.
The ministry further stressed that the hub would also support the country’s digital transformation agenda by enhancing access to innovative technologies to improve service delivery in education, healthcare, and agriculture.
In his remarks at the event, the Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, noted that AI was transforming the global approach to development challenges and said the foundation is committed to ensuring its benefits reach underserved populations.
He stated: “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”, Amaonwu added.
Experts believe that the AI Scaling Hub will help identify and expand high-impact AI solutions in the country and position Nigeria as a role model for responsible AI innovation in Africa.
