Nigerian Government Secures N2.8 Billion Google Grant to Boost AI Talent Development
The Nigerian government has announced a significant partnership with Google, securing a N2.8 billion support grant to enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent across the country. The grant was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, ‘Bosun Tijani, during a joint unveiling event in Abuja.
The initiative is part of Google’s $5.8 million commitment to advancing digital skills in Sub-Saharan Africa. Minister Tijani highlighted that the Google-backed fund is designed to reduce unemployment and address economic challenges by equipping Nigerians with essential AI skills. “This support from Google strengthens Nigeria’s standing in AI innovation. By drawing on Google’s expertise, we’re empowering Nigerians with the skills necessary for success in the global digital landscape,” Tijani stated.
Matt Brittin, Google’s President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), outlined how the grant will support Nigeria’s “3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT)” initiative, with a specific focus on training 20,000 Nigerians in AI and data science. Additionally, the program will engage 125,000 young learners through 25,000 trained educators, introducing them to foundational AI concepts through the Experience AI Program, developed in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
The grant will also launch the AI Fund, in collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), which will allocate N100 million to ten promising Nigerian AI startups. These startups will benefit from up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship, and technical support from Google engineers.
The partnership is viewed as a transformative step for Nigeria’s digital future, with both parties aiming to position the nation as a leader in AI and digital economy across the African continent.
