Nigeria is poised to become a leading force in artificial intelligence (AI) on the African continent, thanks to a significant investment from Google. The tech giant has awarded the Nigerian government a substantial grant of N2.8 billion (approximately $1.7 million) to bolster AI skills development across the country.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, announced the news at a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting the pivotal role of AI in shaping Nigeria’s future. He emphasized the importance of a skilled local workforce to capitalize on the global opportunities presented by AI.
The funds will be allocated to several key initiatives:
- AI and Data Science Talent Development: A core focus of the grant is to train 20,000 Nigerians in AI and data science over the next four years as part of the government’s “Three Million Technical Talents” (3MTT) program.
- “Experience AI” Program: In collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Google will empower 25,000 teachers to introduce AI fundamentals to 125,000 students nationwide.
- Startup Support: Ten promising Nigerian AI startups, including BetaLife Health and Farmspeak, will each receive N100 million to fuel their growth and innovation. These startups will also benefit from Google Cloud credits and mentorship from Google engineers, enabling them to develop solutions for local challenges in sectors like healthcare and agriculture.
Matt Brittin, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reiterated Google’s commitment to supporting digital skills across Africa. He emphasized that the $5.8 million investment in Nigeria is part of a broader effort to empower the continent’s digital workforce.
Dr. Tijani expressed optimism about the impact of AI training on Nigeria’s economic growth and job market. He highlighted the government’s proactive approach to embracing emerging technologies, citing the recent partnership between Taraba state and the Algorand Foundation to train young Nigerians in blockchain technology and software development.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize digital innovation and skill development, this significant investment from Google marks a significant step forward in positioning the country as a global leader in AI.