Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has launched a N3 billion (US$2.1 million) funding initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem with a dual focus on advanced AI skills development and community digital safety.
The two-pillar initiative, announced on Thursday, is designed to fast-track Nigeria’s ambitions for global competitiveness in artificial intelligence while supporting the government’s drive to create 1 million digital jobs. It also aligns with the country’s newly launched National AI Strategy, which positions Nigeria to unlock an estimated $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030, according to research by Public First.
Government Welcomes Strategic Investment
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, described AI as central to national productivity and competitiveness.
ALSO: Nigeria Records N2.78tn Company Income Tax in Q2 2025 Amid Rising Corporate Profits
“This investment from Google and Google.org is timely and strategic. It strengthens our digital infrastructure, nurtures our talent base, and advances our National AI Strategy,” Tijani said.
Five Nigerian Organizations Selected to Drive Impact
Google.org will channel the N3 billion fund through five specialized local organizations, split across AI capacity-building and digital safety projects.
1. Building Advanced AI Talent
-
FATE Foundation & African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS):
Will embed an advanced AI curriculum in Nigerian universities and develop faculty capacity. -
African Technology Forum (ATF):
Will launch an innovation challenge to help developers transition from training to real-world AI product development.
2. Strengthening Digital Safety
-
Junior Achievement (JA) Africa:
Will expand the “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum to promote responsible and safe internet use among young Nigerians. -
CyberSafe Foundation:
Will enhance cybersecurity readiness across public institutions.
Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, said the initiative directly addresses the continent’s urgent need for deep AI competencies.
Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, added that the investment “is an investment in people,” noting Google’s long-standing role in Nigeria’s digital advancement.
Builds on Google’s Existing Digital Investments
The new commitment complements Google’s ongoing infrastructure and talent programs, including:
-
The Equiano subsea cable, which has enhanced broadband capacity across West Africa.
-
The 2023 Skills Sprint program, a N1.2 billion Google.org partnership with Mind the Gap that trained 20,991 participants including 5,217 women in AI and tech and helped 3,576 secure jobs, internships, or launch businesses.
A Boost for Nigeria’s Digital Future
With this latest initiative, Google.org aims to expand AI proficiency, nurture innovation pipelines, and reinforce digital security at a critical time in Nigeria’s tech evolution by strengthening both talent and trust as the country positions itself to lead Africa’s AI revolution.
Comments 1