The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Scaling Hub with a funding commitment of up to $7.5m over three years.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the initiative was announced in Abuja during a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy and the Gates Foundation.
The statement noted that the initiative aims to accelerate the responsible development and large-scale deployment of AI-driven solutions across the health, agriculture, and education sectors.
It 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.
“The Gates Foundation is supporting the Nigeria Scaling Hub with up to $7.5m commitment over a three-year period.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the hub would play a critical role in translating AI ideas into measurable impact.
The minister was quoted in the statement as saying, “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 also disclosed that the initiative complements the government’s broader efforts to adopt emerging technologies and aligns with the draft National AI Strategy, which was developed to guide the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across sectors.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, noted that AI is transforming the global approach to development challenges and said the foundation is committed to ensuring its benefits reach underserved populations.
Amaonwu was quoted in the statement as saying, “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.”
The AI Scaling Hub is expected to help identify and expand high-impact AI solutions across the country and promote Nigeria’s position as a reference point for responsible AI innovation in Africa.
The ministry stated 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.
The PUNCH further learnt that the Gates Foundation offered Rwanda a similar $7.5m support for the same initiative earlier in April this year.
