Google Commits N3bn to Advance Nigeria’s AI Drive and Digital Safety

Google.org pledged N3 billion on Friday to speed up Nigeria’s digital shift through artificial intelligence training and stronger online protections. The announcement came at a Lagos press conference. The funds will flow to five local groups with strong human development records.

The effort splits into two main goals: building top AI skills and boosting digital defences. This tackles talent gaps and cyber risks that hinder Nigeria’s tech ambitions.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, welcomed the move. He said AI lies at the core of raising economic productivity and competing worldwide in tech. Tijani hailed the partnership as key to rolling out the National AI Strategy and placing Nigerian innovators at the global forefront.

FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences will weave advanced AI courses into universities. They aim to arm students and lecturers with fresh knowledge. The African Technology Forum will run a challenge to turn developers from learners into creators of real AI tools.

Adenike Adeyemi, FATE Foundation’s Executive Director, voiced pride in the project. She called it a bold fix for Africa’s need for deep AI know-how. The work will reach universities in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa to spark continent-wide growth.

Junior Achievement Africa will grow its Be Internet Awesome programme for more young people. It teaches safe online habits to shield them from harms. The CyberSafe Foundation will harden public bodies against cyber attacks and guard vital data.

Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, framed the gift as an investment in people. He noted Google’s deep ties to Nigeria’s digital path, from the Equiano cable to the 2023 Skills Sprint. That N1.2 billion drive trained over 20,000 in AI and tech, landing thousands in jobs or startups.

The plan backs Nigeria’s aim for one million digital roles and could unlock $15 billion in AI value by 2030. These steps promise brighter paths for youths hungry to innovate. Yet in a fast-changing world, they must reach the overlooked to truly lift all boats.