Google pledges N3 billion to boost AI skills, digital safety, jobs in Nigeria

Google pledges N3 billion to boost AI skills, digital safety, jobs in Nigeria

Lagos – Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, on Friday announced a N3 billion (US$2.1 million) commitment to Nigeria aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation through a strategic two-pillar initiative.

The announcement was made by Mr. Olumide Balogun, Director for West Africa, Google, at a media roundtable in Lagos. The funding will support programs focused on building advanced AI talent and strengthening digital safety and security within communities.

Balogun said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the national goal to create 1 million digital jobs, adding that the country is projected to unlock $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030.

“This dual focus ensures Nigeria has both a skilled workforce and a secure digital environment, supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” Balogun said. “This N3 billion investment is a commitment to empowering people with advanced AI skills while ensuring a safe digital space to operate.”

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The initiative builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, including infrastructure projects like the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint program, a N1.2 billion investment that trained 20,991 participants, including 5,217 women, in AI and tech, resulting in 3,576 participants gaining jobs, internships, or businesses.

The funding will be channeled to five expert organisations to develop AI talent, including FATE Foundation in collaboration with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which will integrate an advanced AI curriculum into universities. African Technology Forum (ATF) will launch an innovation challenge to guide developers from learning to creating real-world products.

To strengthen digital safety, Junior Achievement (JA) Africa will scale the “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum for youth, while the CyberSafe Foundation will improve cybersecurity for public institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the partner organisations, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, said the initiative addresses the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. She added that the support aligns with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth, preparing Africa to lead in the global technological future.

This strategic investment by Google.org marks a significant step in enhancing AI education, digital skills, and cybersecurity across Nigeria, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of the digital economy in Africa.

Google pledges N3 billion to boost AI skills, digital safety, jobs in Nigeria