Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said that the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (N-ATLAS) demonstrates how Africa is beginning to shape the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.
Speaking at a recent technology forum in Abuja, Tijani described N-ATLAS as a landmark initiative designed to position Nigeria as a hub for responsible AI development while amplifying Africa’s voice in setting global standards.
“N-ATLAS is not just a national strategy, it is proof that Africa is actively contributing to the global AI conversation,” Tijani stated. “For too long, our continent has been seen only as a consumer of technology. With initiatives like this, we are showing the world that Africa can lead in innovation, governance, and application of AI.”
The minister explained that the platform will guide the integration of AI into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and security, while also promoting ethical standards to ensure technology serves humanity responsibly. He added that collaboration with African partners and the diaspora will be central to driving the vision.
According to Tijani, Africa’s youthful population, growing tech ecosystem, and expanding digital infrastructure give it a unique advantage in building AI solutions tailored to local and global challenges. He noted that the success of N-ATLAS could inspire similar frameworks across the continent.
Industry analysts have welcomed the strategy, describing it as timely given the rapid pace of AI adoption worldwide. They argue that Africa’s participation in shaping rules and frameworks will prevent marginalisation in future technological governance.
Nigeria is among the first African countries to publish a comprehensive AI framework, a move that aligns with the government’s broader digital economy agenda and ambition to build a knowledge-driven economy.
