Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has been named to TIME Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence (AI).
The TIME100 AI list, published on Thursday, celebrates global leaders, innovators, and policymakers shaping the future of AI and its impact across industries. Tijani’s recognition reflects Nigeria’s rising influence in the global technology landscape
A Spot Among Global AI Heavyweights
Tijani appears on the list alongside notable global AI leaders, including:
- Matthew Prince – CEO of Cloudflare
- Elon Musk – Founder of xAI
- Sam Altman – CEO of OpenAI
- Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Meta
- Andy Jassy – CEO of Amazon
This acknowledgment places Tijani among the world’s most influential voices in the AI ecosystem.
Nigeria’s Role in the Global AI Ecosystem
Reacting to the recognition in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tijani said the honor reflects not just his individual achievement but also Nigeria’s growing contribution to AI innovation.
“This acknowledgment represents the collective efforts of those who believe in AI’s ability to drive progress.” – Bosun Tijani
Why the Recognition Matters
Tijani’s inclusion in the TIME100 AI list underscores:
- Nigeria’s commitment to digital innovation and AI adoption
- The country’s emerging role in global tech policy and development
- Recognition of Africa’s growing AI talent and ecosystem
As Minister, Tijani has championed policies to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, encourage AI-driven innovation, and build a future-ready workforce.