Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has been named among the 2026 Goalkeepers Champions, a global group of leaders recognised for advancing the use of artificial intelligence to expand opportunity and tackle inequality.
The recognition is part of the annual Goalkeepers initiative, which celebrates leaders, innovators, advocates and changemakers whose work contributes to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Tijani was listed alongside other global technology and innovation figures in the 2026 cohort under the theme, “Leaders in Equitable AI.”
According to the Goalkeepers initiative, this year’s champions are being recognised for their contributions to shaping a future in which artificial intelligence expands opportunity rather than deepens existing inequalities.
The initiative said the honourees are working across sectors including health, education, agriculture, technology, public policy and culture, using innovation to address challenges confronting communities in different parts of the world.
Tijani Listed Among Global AI Champions
Tijani, who was identified as a “Nigerian Tech Minister and AI Leader,” was named alongside Martin Blomberg, an AgTech founder and climate innovator from Sweden; Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, a multilingual AI pioneer from India; Debjani Ghosh, an Indian technology leader and advocate for human-centric AI; and Chenai Chair, an African language AI champion and digital rights advocate from Zimbabwe.
The 2026 Goalkeepers Champions also include leaders and public figures such as Dr Naveen Thacker, Toni Garrn, Dr Anand Bang, Osas Ighodaro, Jerop Limo, Krystal Birungi and Nomzamo Mbatha.
Goalkeepers described the 2026 cohort as a global collective of diverse and collaborative changemakers committed to advancing the Global Goals.
The initiative said the champions were selected for work that demonstrates how technological innovation can be deployed to create meaningful progress while ensuring that more people benefit from opportunities created by AI.
The recognition comes amid growing global attention on the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence, particularly the need to ensure that technological advances are accessible to communities that have historically been excluded from emerging digital opportunities.
Through the 2026 cohort, Goalkeepers said it was highlighting individuals whose work is helping to ensure that AI “matters, where it matters most.”
Tijani expressed his gratitude for the recognition while assuring that it will motivate him.
“Honoured to be recognised by the Gates Foundation as a 2026 Goalkeepers Champion, alongside an inspiring group of people using AI and innovation to tackle some of the world’s most important challenges. Grateful for the recognition, and even more motivated by the opportunity ahead for Africa” he wrote in a post on X.
