Business
THE Gates Foundation has named the mnister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, named among the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions.
Mr Isime Esene, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Tijani was named among TIME 100 Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2025, further affirming Nigeria’s growing influence in the global AI space.
Esene said the minister had joined a distinguished group of global leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose works are helping shape a more equitable future through technology and innovation.
He said that the recognition celebrated Tijani’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital transformation and his leadership in advancing an inclusive AI ecosystem across Africa.
The aide said that the official announcement by the Gates Foundation described the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions as leaders, innovators, advocates, and changemakers.
He said that their work and influence had helped shape a future where Artificial Intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepens inequality.
According to him, the Foundation highlights the minister’s role in driving rapid digital transformation and advancing efforts to ensure that Africa builds domestic AI capabilities rather than relying on technologies designed elsewhere.
“The recognition ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sept. 21, in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81),” he said.
He said that since assuming office, Tijani had championed initiatives focused on expanding digital infrastructure and developing Nigeria’s technology talent pipeline.
The aide noted that the minister had ensured strengthening of digital skills and positioning AI as a tool for inclusive economic growth and national development.
He said that the ministry developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) to provide a coordinated national framework for AI development.
He said it also established the AI Research Fund to support home-grown research and innovation.
“He has also driven the development of N-ATLAS, an indigenous Large Language Model built to reflect Nigerian languages and local contexts.
“The creation of the National AI Trust to advance the safe, ethical, and responsible deployment of the technology,” he said.
Esene said that through these efforts, the minister emerged as a leading advocate for responsible AI across Africa, championing a future in which the continent shapes, rather than merely adopts, the technologies defining its development.
“These initiatives have strengthened Nigeria’s global standing in AI, with the country recording a marked improvement in its position on the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index,” he said. (NAN)
A.I
Sept. 18, 2026
Tags: Dr Bosun Tijani Gates Foundation