Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has earned global recognition after being named by TIME magazine among the 100 most influential figures in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for 2025.
The Nigerian minister was listed alongside Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, in what TIME described as a collection of the world’s most powerful leaders, thinkers, and innovators shaping the future of AI. TIME editors explained that the annual list highlights individuals driving innovation, policy, ethics, and business models that will define how AI transforms societies worldwide.
Dr. Tijani’s inclusion signals Nigeria’s rising role in the global tech ecosystem. In a statement from his office in Abuja, the Minister described the recognition as proof that Nigeria’s ongoing investments in technology and innovation are paying off. “Being listed among the world’s top AI leaders is not just a personal honor,” Tijani said. “It reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing Artificial Intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development.”
Since assuming office, Tijani has spearheaded Nigeria’s National AI Strategy (NAIS), which was co-created with over 120 Nigerian experts in the diaspora and at home. The initiative is designed to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI, ensuring the technology drives growth without undermining social values.
Under Tijani’s leadership, Nigeria has launched research programs and pilot projects exploring AI applications in healthcare, where new systems are being developed to improve disease diagnosis and telemedicine solutions. In agriculture, precision farming technologies are helping to boost food security. In education, AI tools are being designed for personalized learning, while in financial services, new innovations are expanding access to digital banking for underbanked citizens.
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These initiatives have attracted the support of global partners, including Google, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and several international universities. According to the Minister, the government is committed to providing resources, mentorship, and funding to local innovators, ensuring that homegrown AI solutions scale beyond pilot stages into real economic impact.
Dr. Tijani also tied the recognition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision, which targets building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy within the next decade. “Our commitment is to ensure AI not only drives innovation but also contributes meaningfully to job creation, improved productivity, and the overall economic prosperity of Nigerians,” Tijani stated. He emphasized that recognition by TIME further validates Nigeria’s strategic investments in digital innovation and global partnerships.
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Other names featured on TIME’s 2025 AI Power List include Elon Musk, whose AI projects through xAI and Tesla continue to shape debates on responsible AI; Sam Altman, leading OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and one of the most influential players in the AI industry; Fei-Fei Li, the renowned AI researcher and advocate for ethical AI; and Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind. Being in the same category as these global leaders places Dr. Tijani not only as a national figure but as a continental representative for Africa in the AI conversation.
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