The Nigerian government has partnered with the Bill Gates Foundation to boost agricultural development through artificial intelligence as part of efforts to improve lives and expand opportunities across key sectors.
The new initiative, designed to accelerate the use of AI across various sectors, places agriculture alongside health and education as priority areas for innovation.
The hub was unveiled in Abuja during the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Gates Foundation. The Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented the government at the event, while the philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, Mr. Bill Gates, signed on behalf of his foundation.
The Nigeria AI Scaling Hub aims to promote the responsible development and extensive use of artificial intelligence solutions, especially those that can improve food production, support farmers, and strengthen agricultural systems.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Tijani noted that the Gates Foundation has committed 7.5 million dollars over a period of three years to support the operations of the hub.
He explained that the initiative brings together government institutions, private sector stakeholders, and technology experts to focus on practical solutions with measurable impact.
“Our partnership with the Gates Foundation allows us to scale ideas that can improve lives across the country,” Tijani said.
“The AI Scaling Hub will support Nigerian innovators by providing tools, mentorship, and the guidance necessary to turn promising ideas into real-world outcomes.”
Uche Amaonwu, the Nigeria Country Director at the Gates Foundation, shared a similar view.
He said the foundation was pleased to back an initiative that invests in local talent and focuses on inclusive development.
“We are proud to support the Nigeria AI Scaling Hub along with the Government of Nigeria and the Lagos Business School,” he said.
“Artificial intelligence presents new ways to solve longstanding problems in agriculture and other vital sectors.”
Dr. Tijani also used the occasion to highlight the federal government’s recent progress in digital innovation, including the drafting of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
He said the government is working to ensure that AI tools are introduced in a responsible way that benefits everyone, particularly those in underserved regions.
