The Gates Foundation has agreed to support the Federal
Government with $7.5 million for Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scaling
Hub, a new initiative.
This would accelerate the development and scale-up
AI-driven solutions to improve lives and expand opportunities across key
sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
The Special Adviser of Media and Communications,
Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Isime Esene, made
this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
Esene said that the announcement was made during the
Scaling Hub signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry
and the foundation.
He said that the Minister of Communications,
Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, explained that Nigeria’s AI
Scaling Hub was a multi-stakeholder initiative that would coordinate the
scaling of mature AI solutions in the country.
He added: “The hub will convene government agencies,
private sector tech companies, academia and development partners to support
large-scale implementation of mature AI innovations.
“The Gates Foundation is supporting the Nigeria
Scaling Hub with up to $7.5 million commitment over a three-year period.
“By working with the Gates Foundation, we are
strengthening our capacity to ensure that AI-driven solutions are developed
responsibly and deployed equitably.
“The AI Scaling Hub will serve as a catalyst for
Nigerian innovators by providing the resources, mentorship, and support
necessary to translate ideas into impact.
“The AI Scaling Hub initiative will advance the
government’s efforts to identify, develop, and scale high-impact Al solutions
that address innovation in these key sectors, as well as position Nigeria as an
exemplar for emerging technologies in Africa.”
The minister highlighted the progress made by the
government of Nigeria in the adoption of AI, including the recent drafting of
the National AI Strategy developed to ensure its responsible deployment.
“As AI technologies continue to evolve, the Nigeria AI
Scaling Hub offers a model for how governments and partners can work together
to scale innovations that improve health outcomes.
“It will also enhance education systems, and boost
agricultural productivity by ensuring digital transformation benefits all
Nigerians,” he said.
On his part, Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria’s Country Director
at the foundation, said that AI would transform how Nigeria address development
challenges, unlocking new ways to improve lives and strengthen systems
“We are 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 said.
Comments:
Leave a Reply