Google Commits N3bn To Strengthen Nigeria’s AI Strategy

Google, through its non-profit arm Google.org, gave N3 billion to Nigeria on Friday to speed the country’s digital transformation, with funding going towards Artificial Intelligence training and efforts to make its thriving online environment safer.

The plan, presented at a press conference in Lagos, is based on a two-pronged strategy that will channel resources through five local organisations with strong human development track records.

The FATE Foundation, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and the CyberSafe Foundation are among the organisations involved.

One part centres on developing advanced AI talent, while the other aims to enhance digital security.

Together, the search engine giant hopes to provide Nigeria with a qualified workforce as well as a more resilient digital environment, solving the twin concerns of talent shortages and cyber vulnerability, which threaten the country’s ambitious digital agenda.

Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy, stated, “Artificial intelligence is at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to increase economic productivity as well as our ambition to compete globally in technology and innovation.”

He further went on to  appreciate Google and Google.org’s crucial and timely commitment, which demonstrates the value of substantial private-sector collaboration in developing our talent, enhancing our digital infrastructure, and advancing our national AI initiatives.

“This partnership directly supports our drive to put our National AI Strategy into action and position Nigerian innovators at the forefront of the global AI revolution.

FATE Foundation, in conjunction with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, will integrate advanced AI curricula into universities, providing students and lecturers with cutting-edge information.

Meanwhile, the African Technology Forum will launch an innovation contest to help developers transition from learning to producing practical, real-world AI applications.

Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of the FATE Foundation, also stated, “We are immensely happy to collaborate with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI Upskilling Project, which is supported by Google.org.

“This revolutionary effort addresses the pressing demand for deep AI competences in Africa by empowering academic institutions, instructors, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

“This strategic support aligns perfectly with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent, ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future,” the CEO said at a news conference.

Junior Achievement Africa plans to expand its Be Internet Awesome curriculum to reach more youngsters and teach them safe online practices. The CyberSafe Foundation will work with public institutions to improve their cybersecurity posture, assisting them in protecting sensitive data and digital infrastructure against cyber threats.

The project is consistent with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the government’s goal of generating one million digital employment. 

Research from Public First suggests that Nigeria could generate $15bn in economic value from AI by 2030, underscoring the importance of developing skills and strengthening digital safety for long-term growth.

Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, stated, “Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3 billion commitment is the next chapter in that story.”

“This is an investment in people, with the goal of providing them with sophisticated AI capabilities while also creating a safe digital area in which to operate. Its a delight to continue our work in support of the ministry’s efforts to help construct a future in which AI’s promise generates opportunities for all.”

This news builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, which includes infrastructure investments such as the Equiano undersea cable and successful initiatives such as the 2023 Skills Sprint program and a N1.2 billion Mind the Gap pledge.

The initiative is said to have trained 20,991 participants in AI and technology and this includes 5,217 women, and helped 3,576 participants get employment, internships, or start their own enterprises, proving tangible achievement in expanding Nigeria’s digital economy.

In context, this contribution adds to Google’s previous commitments to Nigeria, which include infrastructure investments such as the Equiano undersea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint initiative, which taught over 20,000 people in technology. The National AI Strategy, which was produced through a series of expert workshops, focusses on the use of AI for economic growth, social development, and technological leadership, with a particular emphasis on ethical norms and accountable governance.