Nigeria Launches AI Scaling Hub Backed by $7.5M Gates Grant

Bill Gates and Bosun Tijani

The Nigerian government, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has inaugurated the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling Hub.

This initiative aims to promote the ethical development and widespread adoption of AI technologies in critical sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education.

The announcement was made during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Abuja.

Under the agreement, the Gates Foundation will provide up to $7.5 million over a three-year period to support the hub’s activities.

The hub is designed to coordinate efforts among government agencies, private tech companies, academic institutions, and development partners to implement mature AI solutions that can improve lives and create opportunities across Nigeria.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of responsible AI development.

“By working with the Gates Foundation, we are strengthening our capacity to ensure that AI-driven solutions are developed responsibly and deployed equitably,” he stated.

“The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a catalyst for Nigerian innovators—providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to translate ideas into impact.”

Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, highlighted the partnership’s goal to ensure AI benefits reach underserved communities.

“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,” he said.

The launch of the AI Scaling Hub aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to become a leader in AI within Africa.

In April, the government introduced the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, developed through collaboration among government, academia, and industry stakeholders.

The strategy aims to guide the responsible deployment of AI technologies to drive economic growth and address societal challenges.

The AI Scaling Hub is expected to play a pivotal role in implementing this strategy by facilitating the adoption of AI solutions that can enhance healthcare delivery, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen educational systems.

This initiative also reflects a growing trend of international partnerships aimed at leveraging AI for development across Africa.

Similar efforts are underway in countries like Rwanda, where the Gates Foundation has committed to supporting AI scaling hubs to address regional challenges.

Source: Empower Africa