Google commits N2.8bn to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy
By Seun Johnson
American multinational and technology giant, Google has committed a sum of 2.8 billion naira as part of efforts to accelerate the Nigerian Digital Economy with a key focus on Artificial Intelligence and tech skills development.
This was disclosed by the Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in partnership with Google Africa.
While giving the information through his social media handle on Thursday, the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani said the partnership led by the EMEA Business & Operations team and its President, Matt Britton aligns with Nigeria’s Strategic Blueprint and focuses on enhancing technical skills, fostering AI education and supporting AI-driven innovation.
According to Tijani, the commitment will be directed towards four initiatives which include DeepTech Ready Upskilling, a training Programm which will operate within the framework of 3MTT Nigeria initiative to empower 20,000 Nigerians with advanced technical skills in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
He also identified experience AI Programme which is designed in partnership with Google DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation, to introduce young people, ages 11-14 to the fundermentals of AI. He noted that Google will provide resources and training to 25,000 educators who will train and reach 125,000 learners across Nigeria.
The Minister also mentioned Apolitical Government AI Campus Programme, a virtual platform providing government officials and policymakers with access to resources and training on AI governance and application. He said Google will empower 100 leadership-level and 1,000 practitioner-level public servants to effectively utilise AI in their roles
Other initiative include N100million AI Fund, a joint effort between Nigeria and Google which was announced a few weeks ago to award N10 million each to promising Nigerian AI startups.
Tijani said the 10 beneficiaries, who have since been selected, will also gain access to Google’s AI tools and resources, including up to $3.5million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support from NCAIR.
He however appreciates the entire Google team for betting big on the Nigerian technology ecosystem and their continued support.
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