The Federal Government of Nigeria has inked a landmark $7.5 million agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub, a project aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence applications in key sectors. The announcement came from Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, following a high-profile meeting with Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation team in Abuja.
While specifics about the AI Hub remain under wraps, Minister Tijani highlighted its focus on transformative AI solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education—areas vital to the daily lives of millions of Nigerians.
“This partnership is not only a national milestone but also a personal achievement. It reflects our shared conviction that Nigeria can be a pioneer—not just a user, but a shaper of technology that addresses real-world challenges,” Tijani said.
Bill Gates’ Visit to Nigeria
Bill Gates is currently touring several African countries, including Nigeria, where he plans to meet with President Bola Tinubu and participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event. This gathering shines a spotlight on local AI innovations and initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems.
According to a Gates Foundation statement, Gates’ visits to Ethiopia and Nigeria come at a crucial time, as both countries face shifting landscapes in health and development following reductions in foreign aid. Gates reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-term commitment to Africa’s progress over the next two decades.
“In the face of current challenges, I urge African leaders to harness innovation and partnership to drive health and development forward,” Gates said during a speech in Ethiopia. He also announced that most of the Foundation’s $200 billion planned spending over the next 20 years will focus on Africa, working closely with governments prioritizing the well-being of their citizens.
What You Should Know
Last month, Bill Gates revealed plans to donate 99% of his wealth over the next 20 years, culminating in the closure of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation by 2045. Marking the foundation’s 25th anniversary, Gates, aged 69, explained that this accelerated giving reflects his commitment to combating global inequality and leaving a lasting, impactful legacy.
With a net worth estimated at $168 billion, Gates expects the foundation to distribute up to $200 billion by 2045, contingent on financial markets and inflation. Since its inception in 2000, the foundation has awarded over $100 billion in grants, targeting global health and poverty relief initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
