As artificial intelligence reshapes global economies and systems, the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub positions the country as a continental leader in responsible AI innovation.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, has officially launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub. The initiative, announced on June 3, is designed to accelerate the responsible development and deployment of AI solutions that help improve lives across critical sectors, such as health, agriculture, and education.

“The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a catalyst for Nigerian innovators — providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact,” said Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. “By working with the Gates Foundation, we are strengthening our capacity to ensure that AI-driven solutions are developed responsibly and deployed equitably.”

The announcement was made during the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between the Ministry and the Gates Foundation, held in Abuja. With a $7.5 million commitment over three years from the Gates Foundation, the AI Scaling Hub aims to become a national engine for deploying mature AI solutions that deliver measurable impact at scale.

The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together government bodies, private sector technology firms, academic institutions, and development partners. It will play a central role in identifying scalable, homegrown AI innovations and coordinating their implementation across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.

“AI is transforming how we address development challenges — unlocking new ways to improve lives and strengthen systems,” said Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation. “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.”

The initiative builds on the government’s recent progress in AI adoption, including the drafting of a National AI Strategy, which outlines Nigeria’s commitment to deploying AI responsibly and ethically. The strategy is designed to guide the country’s use of emerging technologies in a way that promotes inclusion, safeguards rights, and supports long-term development.

The launch also arrives at a critical moment when global tech leaders are intensifying their focus on AI capacity-building in Nigeria. Earlier, in February, Microsoft announced a $1 million investment to train one million Nigerians in AI over the next two years. Taken together, these developments signal a converging momentum around AI as both an innovation platform and an economic imperative for the country. The combination of skilling and scaling means Nigeria is no longer just preparing for AI—it is actively shaping how AI will be used for development, inclusion, and economic growth.

Hikmatu Bilali