In a significant move to boost Nigeria's digital economy, Google's philanthropic arm Google.org has announced a massive N3 billion investment aimed at developing artificial intelligence talent and enhancing digital safety across the country.
Major Investment in Nigeria's Digital Future
The substantial funding was unveiled by Olumide Balogun, Google's West Africa Director, during a media roundtable held in Lagos. This initiative represents Google's continued commitment to Nigeria's technological advancement and aligns perfectly with the country's National AI Strategy.
According to Balogun, this investment marks the next chapter in Google's partnership with Nigeria's digital ecosystem. The programme specifically supports the federal government's ambitious goal of creating one million digital jobs while potentially unlocking an estimated $15 billion in economic value for Nigeria by 2030, based on research from Public First.
Dual Focus: AI Skills Development and Digital Safety
The N3 billion funding will be strategically distributed across two critical areas: advanced AI talent development and nationwide digital safety enhancement. This dual approach ensures that Nigeria's technological growth remains both inclusive and resilient.
Balogun emphasized that Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria's digital journey, and this new commitment strengthens that relationship. The initiative builds upon previous successful programmes, including the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 'Skills Sprint' programme that trained nearly 21,000 people in tech and AI.
Implementation Through Strategic Partnerships
Google.org will channel the funds through five expert organizations to maximize impact across Nigeria and broader Africa. The implementation strategy includes:
- FATE Foundation collaborating with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) to introduce advanced AI curriculum into university programmes
- The African Technology Forum (ATF) launching an innovation challenge to help developers transition from training to practical product development
- Junior Achievement (JA) Africa expanding the 'Be Internet Awesome' digital safety programme for young learners
- The CyberSafe Foundation supporting public institutions in improving cybersecurity practices
Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting that it addresses a critical gap in deep AI skills across Africa. The project will enhance capabilities of universities, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
This comprehensive initiative follows Google's successful 2023 'Skills Sprint' programme, executed with Mind the Gap, which trained nearly 21,000 people in tech and AI, including more than 5,000 women. Impressively, over 3,500 participants from that programme successfully moved into employment, internships, or entrepreneurial opportunities.
The new N3 billion investment represents one of the largest corporate commitments to Nigeria's digital transformation and positions the country for leadership in the global technology landscape while creating substantial economic opportunities for Nigerian youth.
