In a bid to support Nigeria’s economic growth through AI development, Google.org in Abuja on Thursday announced a ₦2.8 billion AI Talent Development grant to the country through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE).
This groundbreaking ₦2.8 billion grant initiative aims to equip thousands of Nigerians with advanced AI skills to thrive in the global economy. Importantly, it seeks to transform the country’s digital ecosystem, creating benefits such as employment opportunities, infrastructure development, effective service provision in every sector, and ultimately, economic growth.
“This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation,” said Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. “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 toward a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians,” he added.
In announcing the AI Talent Development funding, Matt Brittin, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, expressed Google’s commitment to Africa’s innovation ecosystem, stating, “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 benefits of the digital economy for more people, and this collaboration continues that mission.”
He noted that the initiative was a collaborative effort between the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and Google to support AI-driven startups in Nigeria.
“I’m pleased to announce that Google.org is providing ₦2.8 billion (approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the Honourable Minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria. This funding will be directed toward critical initiatives that advance AI skills and opportunities across the country.
“Through this grant, we’re supporting the FMCIDE’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, focusing on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data science.
Additionally, the Experience AI Program, developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate 125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.
“We are also investing in the Government AI Campus Program, providing training and resources for Nigerian policymakers. This program will help ensure that as AI adoption accelerates, Nigeria’s public sector is well-equipped to navigate this landscape with a focus on responsible governance.
“The AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is providing 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with ₦100 million in funding, alongside up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support. This support will enable these startups to scale solutions that address local needs in areas like healthcare, energy, and security,” Brittin said.
Brittin also announced that selected startups addressing key societal challenges across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and security will receive ₦100 million in funding. Additionally, these startups will benefit from $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, along with expert guidance from Google’s AI specialists.
Among the 10 chosen startups are BetaLife Health, an AI platform that addresses blood supply needs across Africa, and Trade Lenda, which leverages AI to streamline credit access for small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies, alongside others such as Rana Energy and Towntalk, are tackling local issues with innovative AI solutions.
The Google chief also stressed that the economic potential for AI in Nigeria is vast. “AI has the potential to add as much as $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030. By enabling entrepreneurs and digital talent to harness AI technology, this initiative aligns with Google’s commitment to driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy. This support builds on Google’s prior commitment of ₦1.2 billion in 2023, aimed at digital upskilling and economic empowerment across the country.”
According to the Communications Ministry, this announcement follows earlier efforts to introduce AI into Nigeria’s economic landscape, beginning with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop and the launch of the National AI Intelligence Strategy. The strategy aims to leverage AI to drive growth across key sectors, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
The Ministry, which praised Google for the significant grant, noted that the funding will tremendously expand government efforts, reinforcing Nigeria’s role as an AI leader within Africa.
By Christian Appolos @Nigeria TRIBUNE
