By JKNewsMedia
NIGERIA HAS secured a major boost in its quest to become an artificial intelligence (AI) leader, following Google’s announcement of a N2.8 billion ($1.7 million) grant to support AI and digital talent development.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) confirmed that the grant, part of Google’s $5.8 million investment across sub-Saharan Africa, will back initiatives that aim to equip Nigeria’s workforce with high-demand skills in AI and data science.
This funding, announced by Google EMEA President Matt Brittin at an event in Abuja, integrates with Nigeria’s ongoing 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme to train 20,000 young Nigerians in AI and data science skills.
An additional 125,000 educators are set to receive training to enable them to teach these skills, ultimately reaching around 125,000 students.
The initiative also includes a N100 million allocation to support 10 promising AI startups in Nigeria, providing them with Google Cloud credits, technical support, and mentorship.
The programme aims to enhance Nigeria’s digital economy and position the nation as a net exporter of AI talent.
FMCIDE Minister Bosun Tijani hailed this partnership as a strategic step towards bridging skills gaps and reducing unemployment, adding, “Google’s support is vital in empowering Nigerians to thrive in the global digital economy.”
The selected startups—BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk, and Trade Lenda—will receive N100 million in funding to further innovation in their sectors.
The AI Fund, launched in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), seeks to cement Nigeria’s role as a significant player in the AI and digital workforce space.
