Nigeria is set to become a hub of innovation for artificial intelligence (AI) with a US$7.5 million  investment by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

ITWeb reports that the investment, to be made over three years, follows Gates’ pledge to donate 99% of his US$200 billion wealth to developing the health and education sectors in Africa over the next 20 years.

Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, said the AI Scaling Hub would play an integral role in scaling AI-powered solutions in  agriculture, healthcare and digital infrastructure.

‘This partnership marks a new chapter in our digital economy journey. The AI Scaling Hub will catalyse inclusive innovation and sustainable development,’ he said.

According to Tech News Africa, the hub will involve government agencies, private-sector tech companies, academics and development partners in supporting large-scale implementation of mature AI innovations.

On announcing his commitment to investing in the continent at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia in June, Gates underscored the importance of deploying AI solutions in Africa.

‘We want to find the best AI thinkers, back them, and make sure that AI is not one of those technologies confined to rich countries,’ Gates said.

‘In fact, if equity were served, it should roll out here first. The need for medical capacity, educational support and agricultural information is probably stronger here than anywhere else in the world.’

10 June 2025
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