Tinubu Calls for BRICS Partnership on AI, Digital Infrastructure, Technology Transfer

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and BRICS countries in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, technology transfer and other emerging technologies to support Africa’s economic development.

Tinubu made the call in his speech at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President said Nigeria views BRICS cooperation as an opportunity to attract investment, advance technology transfer, build human capacity and strengthen digital infrastructure across the country.

He highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing investments in digital skills, entrepreneurship, research, artificial intelligence and technology-enabled businesses, citing initiatives including 3MTT, Project BRIDGE and the national AI strategy.

Tinubu said Nigeria welcomes BRICS cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech, telecommunications, cybersecurity, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.

He stressed that developing countries must move beyond simply consuming technology by building the capacity to produce technology, create knowledge and protect intellectual property.

“A nation that owns no technology, creates no knowledge and owns no intellectual property is merely renting its future,” the President said.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s large and youthful population provides a strong foundation for innovation, noting that the country has a population of about 250 million people, with a significant proportion being young people whose creativity can drive the innovation agenda.

The President also invited BRICS investors to see Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s expanding market, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its digital trade framework.

He said partnerships should reflect Africa’s contemporary realities in areas including infrastructure, connectivity, energy, economic and demographic needs.

Tinubu further called for cooperation that moves beyond dialogue to measurable development outcomes, stressing the importance of partnerships that strengthen Africa’s productive capacity.

He identified AI, digital services, technology transfer, broadband infrastructure and renewable energy as areas where stronger international cooperation could contribute to Nigeria’s development.

The President said Nigeria’s approach to technology and economic development is also linked to its efforts to build resilience against global shocks and create opportunities for its growing population.

He added that Nigeria was ready to work with BRICS members to build a more inclusive global system and ensure that Africa moves from the margins of global development to the frontiers of global growth and innovation.

Tinubu also called for stronger BRICS partnerships in agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, food security, energy and transport technology, saying these areas are critical to Africa’s sustainable development.