FG-Gates Foundation to Partner on $7.5m AI Scaling Hub

By Friday Obande 

Nigeria’s Federal Government has partnered Gates Foundation to launch the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) scaling hub in order to accelerate the responsible adoption of AI technologies in Health, Education, and Agriculture.

The announcement was made recently during the signing of a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Gates Foundation in Abuja.

The ministry said, the hub is supported by a $7.5 million commitment from the Gates Foundation for over three years.

Accordingly, it noted that the hub is expected to deploy mature AI solutions that improve lives and create opportunities for Nigerians.

The Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani while speaking at the ceremony, said the partnership will help Nigeria develop AI responsibly and support innovators to turn ideas into impact.

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

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

Nigeria’s Country Director at the Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, explained that the partnership reflects a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI 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 added.

The launch of the scaling hub is a sequel to the introduction of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy in April.

The strategy is designed to serve as a model for other African countries and contribute to the continent’s economic growth.