Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr ’Bosun Tijani, has been named among the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions by the Gates Foundation for his role in advancing digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) development.

The recognition places Tijani among global leaders, innovators, advocates and changemakers whose work is focused on using technology and innovation to expand opportunities and address inequality.

In its announcement, the Gates Foundation described the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions as leaders, innovators, advocates and changemakers whose work is helping to shape “a future where Artificial Intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepens inequality.”

The Foundation specifically recognised Tijani’s contribution to Nigeria’s digital transformation and his efforts to promote an inclusive AI ecosystem across Africa.

A statement signed on Friday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Isime Esene, said the Foundation also highlighted Tijani’s efforts to strengthen Africa’s capacity to develop domestic AI capabilities rather than relying solely on technologies designed elsewhere.

The recognition ceremony is scheduled for September 21, 2026, in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Since assuming office, Tijani has pursued initiatives aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, developing Nigeria’s technology talent pipeline, strengthening digital skills and deploying emerging technologies as tools for economic growth and national development.

A major part of the ministry’s AI programme has been the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which provides a coordinated framework for AI development and adoption in Nigeria.

The ministry also established the AI Research Fund to support home-grown research and innovation, while advancing N-ATLAS, an indigenous large language model designed to reflect Nigerian languages and local contexts.

Another initiative is the National AI Trust, established to promote the safe, ethical and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence.

The statement said these initiatives had strengthened Tijani’s profile as an advocate of responsible AI development across Africa, with emphasis on enabling the continent to participate in shaping technologies that will influence its future.

It added that Nigeria had recorded a marked improvement in its position on the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index amid the country’s expanding AI efforts.

Tijani was also named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI in 2025, further drawing international attention to Nigeria’s growing role in the global AI landscape.

The minister joins other 2026 Goalkeepers Champions from different parts of the world whose work spans technology, education, agriculture, policy and culture.

The latest recognition places Nigeria’s digital transformation and AI development efforts in the spotlight as the country continues to pursue greater domestic capacity in emerging technologies.