Gates Foundation names Tijani 2026 Goalkeepers Champion

The Gates Foundation has named Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ’Bosun Tijani, among its 2026 Goalkeepers Champions.

The foundation recognised Tijani for his role in Nigeria’s digital transformation and efforts to advance artificial intelligence (AI) development across Africa.

The recognition brings the minister into a global group of leaders, innovators and advocates working to use technology to widen opportunities and reduce inequality.

In its announcement, the Gates Foundation said the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions are helping to shape “a future where Artificial Intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepens inequality.”

The foundation also highlighted Tijani’s push for stronger African capacity to develop AI technologies locally.

A statement signed on Friday by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Isime Esene, said the recognition reflected Tijani’s efforts to promote an inclusive AI environment across the continent.

The statement said the recognition ceremony would take place on September 21, 2026, in New York.

The event will hold on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Since taking office, Tijani has pursued initiatives to expand digital infrastructure and build Nigeria’s technology talent base.

He has also promoted digital skills development and the use of emerging technologies for economic growth and national development.

The ministry developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as part of these efforts.

The strategy provides a national framework for developing and adopting AI in Nigeria.

The ministry also established the AI Research Fund to support local research and innovation.

It is also advancing N-ATLAS, an indigenous large language model designed to reflect Nigerian languages and local contexts.

In addition, the ministry created the National AI Trust to promote safe, ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The statement said these initiatives had strengthened Tijani’s advocacy for responsible AI development across Africa.

It added that his approach seeks to enable the continent to help shape emerging technologies rather than merely adopt systems developed elsewhere.

Nigeria has also improved its position on the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index amid its growing AI efforts.

Tijani previously earned international recognition when TIME named him among its 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2025.

The latest honour adds to growing international attention on Nigeria’s role in artificial intelligence.

Tijani joins other 2026 Goalkeepers Champions whose work covers technology, education, agriculture, policy and culture.

The recognition also places Nigeria’s efforts to develop domestic AI capacity among initiatives receiving international attention.