Google grants ₦2.8bn to FG for AI talent development

Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has received ₦2.8 billion Google grant to promote AI talent development in Nigeria. The ministry disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. It said the grant would support the ministry’s AI initiatives to upskill youth and unemployed Nigerians, aligning with Google.org’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. The grant is part of Google.org’s broader $5.8 million commitment   to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, stressed the importance of this support in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation: “This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
“By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.” The N2.8 billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programs, including: To provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field. To equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators. Government AI Campus Programme: To upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly.
Earlier this year, the ministry had set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy. This strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians. The ministry said this new support from Google.org would build on this strong foundation, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI innovation on the continent. The ministry and Google also announced some selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google. The Fund will see each selected startup receive ₦100 million in funding, along with up to $3.5million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions.
Additionally, these startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners. Matt Brittin, the President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, shared Google’s commitment to Africa’s innovation ecosystem: “Across Africa, entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology, including AI, to address large-scale societal challenges. “Google remains committed to supporting these innovators, helping them expand their impact across the continent and beyond. Our work in Africa has always been about unlocking the digital economy’s benefits for more people, and this collaboration continues that mission.”