By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria’s Minister of
Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, has been
recognised by the Gates Foundation as a 2026 Goalkeepers Champion for his work
advancing artificial intelligence and innovation in Africa.
Tijani announced the
recognition in a statement expressing appreciation for the honour and renewed
motivation to contribute to Africa’s technology and innovation agenda.
The 2026 Goalkeepers
Champions initiative recognises leaders, innovators, advocates and changemakers
whose work is contributing to progress towards the United Nations’ 17
Sustainable Development Goals.
This year’s Champions are
being recognised for efforts to help shape a future in which artificial
intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepens inequality. Their work
spans areas including health, education, agriculture, technology, policy and
culture.
The Gates Foundation
described the 2026 cohort as individuals who are putting innovation into
practice, elevating the realities of the communities they serve and helping to
advance more equitable access to the opportunities created by AI.
Tijani, who previously
co-founded pan-African innovation hub CcHUB, is recognised in the cohort as a
Nigerian technology leader and AI advocate. His profile highlights his role in
driving digital transformation and efforts to support the development of domestic
AI capabilities in Africa.
Other 2026 Goalkeepers
Champions include Swedish AgTech and climate innovator Martin Blomberg, Indian
multilingual AI pioneer Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, Indian technology leader
Debjani Ghosh and Zimbabwean digital policy leader and feminist researcher Chenai
Chair.
