To harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, has inaugurated the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub. This initiative, unveiled during a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, June 3, comes with a funding commitment of up to $7.5 million over three years.

The AI Scaling Hub is envisioned as a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at accelerating the responsible development and deployment of AI-driven solutions across critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and education. By bringing together government agencies, private tech firms, academia, and development partners, the hub seeks to coordinate the scaling of mature AI innovations within the country.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the hub’s role in translating AI concepts into tangible impacts.

“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.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to adopt emerging technologies, complementing the draft National AI Strategy designed to guide the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence across various sectors.

Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in addressing development challenges. He remarked:

“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.”

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