FG Secures N2.8bn Google Grant for AI Talent Devt In Nigeria

Samuel Mobolaji

The federal ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy has announced a N2.8 billion grant from Google to support AI talent development across Nigeria.

Directed through Data Science Nigeria, the funding aims to equip young Nigerians, educators, and policymakers with critical AI skills, boosting Nigeria’s capacity in the global digital economy. This initiative is part of Google’s larger $5.8 million commitment to digital skills development across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, and Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, in a press statement, made available to the newsmen, emphasized the importance of the support from Google, underscoring Nigeria’s ambition to lead in AI innovation.

“Google’s support reinforces our vision to position Nigeria as a leader in AI. This collaboration empowers us to provide essential skills for tomorrow’s economy, moving us toward a more inclusive, technology-driven future,” Tijani stated.

The Google funding will support various programs led by Data Science Nigeria in collaboration with the ministry. These initiatives include the DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme, which will provide advanced training in data science and AI for 20,000 young Nigerians, preparing them for emerging job markets.

The Experience AI Programme will give 25,000 teachers the tools to educate 125,000 students on AI, fostering the next wave of AI experts. Additionally, the Government AI Campus Programme will equip policymakers and public servants with skills to responsibly develop AI policies, ensuring thoughtful governance of AI innovation.

This grant aligns with FMCIDE’s recent initiatives, including the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop and the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy, both of which aim to harness AI for economic growth, governance, and improved citizen well-being.

To further support AI-driven startups in Nigeria, the ministry and Google have also launched the AI Fund, managed by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Ten startups selected for the fund will each receive N100 million, along with up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, Google’s AI tools, and mentorship from Google’s AI experts. These startups span various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education, and address critical local challenges. The selected startups include BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk, and Trade Lenda.