Tijani Leads Nigeria To Africa’s Top Responsible AI Ranking

By Hannah Yemisi

Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country in the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), recently climbing 42 places globally from 80th in 2024 to 38th in 2026 with a score of 45.93, overtaking Egypt and Kenya. Published by the Global Center on AI Governance, the index assessed 135 countries across inclusion and diversity, ethics and sustainability, labour and skills, trust and safety, and artificial intelligence use in public services. The ranking reflects reforms led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expansion of digital public infrastructure, digital skills development, responsible AI governance frameworks and international partnerships. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said: “This recognition is a testament to Nigeria’s deliberate efforts to build an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with our development priorities.” He added: “Our focus remains on creating the infrastructure, talent, and policy environment that will enable AI to deliver real value for our people and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.” The report also recognised Nigeria as a global “Bright Spot” for combining AI skills development with safeguards for children and vulnerable groups through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025.

DECISION HIGHLIGHT

Nigeria is shifting from being an emerging adopter of artificial intelligence to positioning itself as a regional leader in responsible AI governance, combining innovation with regulatory safeguards and digital skills development.

DECISION MEMO

Nigeria’s improved ranking reflects more than technological ambition. It signals growing recognition that AI competitiveness increasingly depends on governance, human capital and public trust rather than computing capability alone.

The country’s simultaneous investment in digital infrastructure, AI literacy and data protection suggests a policy approach that seeks to balance innovation with accountability. Recognition as a global “Bright Spot” indicates that international assessors increasingly value governance frameworks that prepare citizens for AI adoption while protecting digital rights.

The broader investment landscape reinforces the significance of this progress. With global corporate AI investment reaching $581.7 billion in 2025 and AI projected to contribute $1.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, countries with credible regulatory environments are likely to become more attractive destinations for technology investment and talent.

Nevertheless, the GIRAI findings also highlight a wider challenge. Governance frameworks remain more advanced than implementation across many jurisdictions. Nigeria’s long-term advantage will therefore depend on translating policy commitments into measurable institutional capability and commercial innovation.

DATA BOX

• GIRAI global ranking:
  • 2024: 80th.
  • 2026: 38th.
• Global improvement: 42 places.
• GIRAI score: 45.93.
• Countries assessed: 135.
• AI contribution to Africa by 2030: $1.2 trillion.
• Expected GDP impact: 5.6 percent.
• Global corporate AI investment (2025): $581.7 billion.
• Global users of generative AI: 53 percent of the world’s population.
• Supporting initiatives:
  • National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
  • 3 Million Technical Talent programme.
  • Nigeria Data Protection Act.
  • General Application and Implementation Directive 2025.

WHO WINS / WHO LOSES

Winners

• Nigerian technology companies and AI startups.
• Digital professionals and AI talent.
• Foreign investors seeking regulated AI markets.
• Citizens benefiting from stronger digital rights protections.

Losers

• Jurisdictions with weaker AI governance frameworks.
• Organisations slow to adopt responsible AI standards.

POLICY SIGNALS

• Artificial intelligence is becoming a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy.
• Government is integrating AI development with data protection and regulatory oversight.
• Skills development is emerging as a central component of national AI policy.
• Responsible AI governance is increasingly viewed as a competitive investment advantage.

INVESTOR SIGNAL

Nigeria’s improved international standing strengthens its attractiveness for investment in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cloud services, data governance, education technology and innovation ecosystems. A credible governance framework may also reduce regulatory uncertainty for technology investors evaluating African markets.

RISK RADAR

Strong international rankings do not eliminate execution risks. Sustaining leadership will require continued investment in digital infrastructure, electricity, research capacity, cybersecurity, regulatory enforcement and workforce development. Without consistent implementation, policy gains may not translate into large-scale AI adoption or economic value creation.