Communication Minister, Bosun Tijani, Hold Talks With Bill Gates, Announces $7.5 Million AI Partnership

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has held a bilateral talks with delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Nigeria.

According to the Minister, the talk was on a landmark move for Nigeria’s technological advancement

Tijani, while speaking on the high powered delegation meeting which had in attendance the billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, described the meeting as satisfactory.

The Minister explained that the meeting centered around two strategic priorities, “expanding connectivity and accelerating the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria.

He added that the visit was the signing of a groundbreaking agreement to launch AI Scale Up Nigeria, a national initiative backed by $7.5 million in funding and technical support from the Gates Foundation.

According to him, the program aims to harness AI solutions to drive improvements in healthcare, agriculture, and education, with a sharp focus on real-world impact for everyday Nigerians.

Tijani said his relationship with the Foundation began shortly before his ministerial appointment, when he moderated a conversation between Bill Gates and young African innovators.

“This moment means a lot, personally and nationally. “I’m grateful for the trust, collaboration, and shared belief that Nigeria can lead not just in adopting technology, but in shaping it to solve real problems”.

He said the visit comes midway into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to driving innovation, digital inclusion, and global partnerships.

The Minister therefore appreciated Mr. Gates and team for marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital development.

The meeting had in attendance, Paulin Basinga, Uche Ofodile, and other senior members of the Foundation,