Google has pledged N3 billion to support Nigeria’s digital transformation through a new initiative focused on two key areas: artificial intelligence training and online safety.
The investment will be channeled through five established local organizations with proven expertise in human development.
This two-pronged strategy aims to equip Nigeria with a skilled workforce and a more resilient digital ecosystem, tackling the dual challenges of talent shortages and cyber threats that hinder the nation’s digital ambitions.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, commented, “Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to raise the level of productivity in our economy as well as our ambition to compete globally in technology and innovation.
“I welcome this important and timely investment from Google and Google.org, which reflects the power of meaningful private-sector partnership in nurturing our talent, strengthening our digital infrastructure, and advancing our national AI priorities. This collaboration directly supports our drive to operationalise our National AI Strategy and to position Nigerian innovators at the forefront of the global AI revolution.”
The development of AI expertise will be spearheaded by a partnership between the FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences,focusing on integrating advanced AI curricula into higher education. A separate stream, led by the African Technology Forum, will run an innovation challenge to guide developers in creating practical AI applications.
On the partnership, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of the FATE Foundation, said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI Upskilling Project, with support from Google.org.
“This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, 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.”
To bolster digital safety, Junior Achievement Africa will scale its “Be Internet Awesome” program to educate more young people on online safety, while the CyberSafe Foundation will work to strengthen the cybersecurity of public institutions and their critical data.
This initiative directly supports Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and its goal of creating one million digital jobs. With research projecting that AI could unlock $15 billion in economic value for Nigeria by 2030, developing a skilled and secure digital ecosystem is essential for sustainable growth.
The Director for West Africa at Google, Olumide Balogun, said, “Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3bn commitment is the next chapter in that story.
“This is an investment in people, aimed at empowering them with advanced AI skills and ensuring a safe digital space to operate. We are honoured to continue our collaboration in support of the ministry’s efforts to help build a future where the promise of AI creates opportunity for everyone.”
This new initiative reinforces Google’s deep commitment to Nigeria.
It builds on our previous investments, including the Equiano subsea cable and the successful 2023 Skills Sprint programme, which was backed by a N1.2bn commitment to the “Mind the Gap” initiative.
