Nigeria’s Abel Aboh among 100 UK AI leaders

Nigerian-born data and artificial intelligence (AI) leader, Abel Aboh, is among 100 people recognised in the Foundever AI 100 UK 2026 list for putting AI to practical use across the United Kingdom.

The nomination recognises Aboh with others across business, government, academia and the third sector who are using AI in practical ways, whether through building tools, adopting AI, shaping policy or helping others use the technology.

Aboh is a Data Management and AI leader at the Bank of England where his work includes data, information and AI transformation. His LinkedIn profile also highlights his work in data management, AI, data governance and financial-sector data collection.

He holds degrees in Human Resource Management from Strathclyde Business School and the University of Lincoln and has undertaken further studies in areas including data ethics, AI, responsible innovation and space data for financial services at the University of Edinburgh.

Beyond his professional interests, Aboh has spoken publicly about his journey from Nigeria to the UK and the role of education, experience and exposure in shaping opportunities.

He is also involved in initiatives documenting the contributions of Black communities in Scotland, including the Proudly Black and Scottish digital heritage project.

He has also built a public profile around data and AI education, speaking at events including Big Data London, the Data Innovation Summit and UK data governance conferences.

His Foundever AI 100 nomination comes alongside other recognitions and leadership roles. He was a finalist for British Data Leader of the Year 2021, served as a judge for the British Data Awards and is involved in education and board-level activities in Scotland.

The Foundever announcement said the 2026 list is focused on “impact, whether they’re building tools, adopting them well, shaping policy, or helping others do the same.” The public can vote for the People’s Choice award, with voting closing on October 5, 2026.