Who is Bosun Tijani? Meet Nigeria’s Minister Powering Africa’s Digital Future

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Dr. Bosun Tijani as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in August 2023, aside the fact that it was a cabinet reshuffle at the time, it was a major change to the Nigerian tech ecosystem. 

For many in the innovation space, it felt like one of their own had finally taken the driver’s seat. But who exactly is Bosun Tijani, and why does his story matter?

From Agege to Africa’s tech Frontlines

Born on July 20, 1977, in Agege, Lagos, Bosun Tijani hails from Itoko in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State. 

He grew up between Lagos and Abeokuta, attending Abeokuta Grammar School before heading to the University of Jos, where he earned a diploma in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

But his academic journey didn’t stop there. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Information Systems and Management from Warwick Business School and a PhD in Innovation and Economic Development from the University of Leicester, UK. 

His doctoral research focused on how innovation networks can help developing countries build stronger ecosystems, a theme that would later define his career.

Building the CcHub legacy

If there’s one thing Tijani is best known for, it’s the Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB). Co-founded in 2010 in Yaba, Lagos, at a time when tech innovation was still finding its feet in Nigeria, CcHUB quickly became the heartbeat of Africa’s startup movement. 

Under his leadership as CEO, CcHUB offered young tech talents mentorship, funding, and space to build. It was also the launchpad for notable startups like BudgIT and LifeBank.

But Tijani didn’t stop at Nigeria. He scaled the hub into a Pan-African powerhouse acquiring Kenya’s iHub and eLimu, setting up a design lab in Rwanda, and expanding to Namibia. 

He also led initiatives like the $15 million edtech accelerator for Nigeria and Kenya, and a €20 million fund in partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs to support startups across the continent. In a way, he didn’t just build a hub, he helped build a movement.

The man behind the minister

Before becoming a household name in tech, Tijani held various global roles that shaped his approach to development and innovation. At 21, he was already the National Director of AIESEC Nigeria. 

He went on to work at Hewlett Packard as Deployment Lead for Africa, and later at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, where he helped African exporters leverage ICT tools.

Between 2007 and 2010, he worked at UK-based consulting firm PERA as European Innovation Manager, coordinating innovation agencies across Europe. These roles sharpened his global perspective and deepened his commitment to creating solutions for Africa, by Africans.

He has also completed professional programs at top institutions like the John F. Kennedy School of Government (Harvard), Stanford University, and the African Leadership Institute. He’s a Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow and a Fellow at Stanford’s Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law.

His new role and his big task

As Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Tijani now has a national platform to put his ideas to work. But the expectations are high.

Nigerians are looking to him to deliver digital infrastructure, grow tech talent, and make Nigeria more competitive in the global innovation economy. For someone who has spent over a decade empowering others to build, now it’s his turn to build from within the system.

Tijani is more than just a technocrat

Despite his many achievements, Tijani remains grounded. He is married with three children and often speaks passionately about creating opportunities for young Africans.

He brings something rare to government, lived experience in the trenches of innovation. He understands both the local challenges and global standards. 

And most importantly, he has shown over time that he’s not just a thinker, he’s a doer.

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