Google has announced a N3 billion commitment to support advanced AI skills development and digital safety programs across Nigeria. The announcement was made in Abuja and is part of Google’s wider effort to back the Federal Government’s National AI Strategy and the goal of creating one million digital jobs. According to research by Public First, Nigeria could unlock up to 15 billion dollars in economic value from AI by 2030 if the right structures and skills are in place. Google said the combined approach of AI skilling and digital safety is aimed at helping the country reach this potential.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, welcomed the development, noting that it fits into Nigeria’s long-term vision for technology growth. He said: “Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to raise the level of productivity in our economy as well as our ambition to compete globally in technology and innovation. I welcome this important and timely investment from Google and its foundation, which reflects the power of meaningful private-sector partnership in nurturing our talent, strengthening our digital infrastructure, and advancing our national AI priorities.” He added that the move will support the implementation of the National AI Strategy and help position Nigerian innovators “at the forefront of the global AI revolution.”
Google.org said the N3 billion fund will be directed to five expert organisations working in AI talent development and digital safety. Among them is FATE Foundation, working with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, AIMS, to introduce an advanced AI curriculum into universities. The African Technology Forum, ATF, will also launch an innovation challenge that takes developers from learning to building useful products. Junior Achievement, JA, Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome curriculum for young people, while the CyberSafe Foundation will increase its efforts to strengthen cybersecurity readiness in public institutions.
Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, said the partnership is a major step toward preparing African youth for future opportunities. She said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org. This initiative responds directly to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.” She explained that the partnership supports FATE Foundation’s mission to drive innovation and sustainable economic growth, “ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future.”
Director for West Africa at Google, Olumide Balogun, said the move reflects Google’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria’s digital sector. He said: “Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3 billion commitment is the next chapter in that story. This is an investment in people, aimed at empowering them with advanced AI skills and ensuring a safe digital space to operate. We are honoured to continue our collaboration in support of the Ministry’s efforts to help build a future where the promise of AI creates opportunity for everyone.”
Google added that the new fund builds on earlier investments, such as the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint programme, a N1.2 billion partnership with Mind the Gap. That initiative trained 20,991 Nigerians, including 5,217 women, in AI and tech skills, and helped 3,576 participants secure jobs, internships, or start their own businesses.
