Google commits N3bn to advance Nigeria’s national AI strategy

Google, through its charitable arm Google.org, pledged N3bn to Nigeria on Friday to accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The funds will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and initiatives to enhance the safety of Nigeria’s online environment.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Lagos, where officials outlined a two-pronged strategy: developing advanced AI talent and improving cybersecurity.

The funding will be distributed among five local organizations: FATE Foundation, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and CyberSafe Foundation. Each organization will be responsible for managing specific projects, including integrating AI courses into universities, organizing developer challenges, and implementing online safety programs for youth.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, aiming to develop a skilled workforce and create a secure digital ecosystem. Google stated that the support addresses the shortage of AI expertise and the increasing risk of cyber threats across the country.

Training and innovation take centre stage

FATE Foundation, in collaboration with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, will introduce advanced AI curricula for both students and lecturers. The African Technology Forum is planning an innovation challenge to guide developers from learning about AI to creating practical applications.

Junior Achievement Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome program to teach young people safe online practices, while the CyberSafe Foundation will enhance cybersecurity measures in public institutions.

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The government anticipates that this initiative will enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and promote the adoption of technology across various sectors. The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stated that the investment will help implement the National AI Strategy and better position Nigerian innovators in the global AI market.

Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, characterised the funding as a people-centred investment aimed at developing skills and creating safe digital spaces.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy.

Economic growth and job creation

The ₦3 billion pledge enhances Google’s earlier commitments, including the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint programme, which trained over 20,000 participants, including more than 5,000 women in tech.

The program has helped thousands secure jobs, internships, or start their own businesses. With the new funding aimed at enhancing AI skills and digital safety, the goal is to unlock an estimated $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030. This initiative also supports the government’s objective of creating one million digital jobs.

The projects will examine how effectively education, innovation, and security measures can collaborate to enhance the country’s digital ecosystem and prepare it for the next wave of AI-driven growth.