IMF Recognition Confirms Nigeria’s Progress in AI, Says Bosun Tijani

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has welcomed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recognition of Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) economies, describing it as an affirmation of the country’s progress in preparing for the AI era.

In a statement, Tijani said the recognition validates the Federal Government’s deliberate investments in artificial intelligence policy, talent development, and innovation aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading digital economy in Africa.

According to the minister, the IMF’s recognition comes shortly after Nigeria recorded strong performances in the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) and the Oxford Government AI Readiness Index, further demonstrating that strategic investments in AI can drive long-term economic transformation.

Tijani noted that while the IMF acknowledged Nigeria’s progress, the institution also stressed that unlocking AI’s full potential across Sub-Saharan Africa would require sustained investment in electricity, broadband infrastructure, and digital skills.

He said the Federal Government has spent the past two years laying the foundation for the country’s AI ecosystem through initiatives including the National AI Strategy, National AI Trust, AI Collective, Nigeria AI Scaling Hub, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, and Project BRIDGE, an initiative aimed at expanding Nigeria’s fibre-optic infrastructure.

According to him, these programmes are designed to ensure that Nigeria is not only ready to adopt artificial intelligence but also capable of developing, deploying, and scaling AI solutions that address local challenges while creating economic opportunities for Nigerians.

Tijani said the government’s objective remains to build a resilient digital economy powered by innovation, technology, and skilled talent that can compete globally and support inclusive economic growth.