Google, through its charitable arm Google.org, has pledged N3bn to Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, focusing on artificial intelligence training and enhancing online safety. The initiative, announced at a press briefing in Lagos, will channel funds through five local organisations with proven track records in human development, including FATE Foundation, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and the CyberSafe Foundation.
The programme takes a two-pronged approach: cultivating advanced AI talent and reinforcing digital security. By equipping Nigerians with AI skills and promoting a safer digital environment, Google aims to address critical talent shortages and cyber vulnerabilities that could hinder the country’s digital ambitions.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, welcomed the investment, noting that AI is central to Nigeria’s goal of boosting productivity and competing globally in technology and innovation. He said the partnership supports the operationalisation of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and positions local innovators at the forefront of the global AI revolution.
To develop AI expertise, FATE Foundation, in collaboration with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, will integrate advanced AI curricula into universities, equipping students and lecturers with cutting-edge knowledge. The African Technology Forum will launch an innovation challenge guiding developers from learning to creating practical AI solutions. FATE Foundation Executive Director Adenike Adeyemi described the initiative as a strategic response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions and driving sustainable economic growth across the continent.
On the digital safety front, Junior Achievement Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome curriculum to teach youths safe online practices, while the CyberSafe Foundation will help public institutions strengthen cybersecurity and protect sensitive data.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the government’s goal of creating one million digital jobs. Research by Public First indicates that AI could unlock $15bn in economic value for Nigeria by 2030, highlighting the importance of building both skills and secure digital infrastructure.
Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, described the N3bn commitment as an investment in people, empowering them with AI skills while ensuring a safer digital ecosystem. The programme builds on Google’s ongoing support for Nigeria, including the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint programme, which trained 20,991 participants, including 5,217 women, and helped 3,576 participants secure jobs, internships, or start businesses.
This new initiative reinforces Nigeria’s digital agenda, equipping young people and institutions with the tools and skills to harness AI safely and effectively, while advancing inclusive economic growth and innovation.
