By Juliet Umeh
In a bold move to advance Nigeria’s position in the global AI landscape, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, FMCIDE has secured a N2.8 billion grant from Google.org.
This funding, awarded to Data Science Nigeria, is designed to fuel AI talent development, empowering Nigerians with advanced skills essential for driving digital transformation and economic growth.
The partnership, part of Google.org’s $5.8 million investment across Sub-Saharan Africa, aims to meet the surging demand for digital skills.
By aligning with Nigeria’s AI strategies, this support positions the country as a key player in the AI ecosystem, reinforcing its ambition to create a digitally inclusive society that thrives on innovation.
Empowering Nigerians through targeted AI Programmes
Under this initiative, the Ministry and Data Science Nigeria will lead three core programs aimed at skill-building across different sectors: DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme: This program will train 20,000 young Nigerians, providing them with expertise in data science and AI for high-demand tech careers.
Experience AI Programme: 25,000 educators will be trained to introduce AI concepts to 125,000 students, inspiring a new generation of Nigerian innovators.
Government AI Campus Programme: Policymakers and public servants will gain insights into responsible AI policy-making, ensuring a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.
In collaboration with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, NCAIR, Google has also launched the AI Fund, which provides selected Nigerian startups with ₦100 million each, along with $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits. This funding will enable startups to scale their AI solutions in sectors critical to Nigeria, such as healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
Role of AI startups in driving socio-economic impact
From healthcare to security, the 10 selected startups, including BetaLife Health and Farmspeak, will leverage AI to address critical challenges. This initiative amplifies Nigeria’s potential to use technology for meaningful societal impact, as AI-driven solutions emerge across sectors that touch everyday life.
Google’s President for EMEA, Matt Brittin, underscored the company’s commitment: “Supporting Nigerian innovators aligns with our broader goal to unlock digital economic benefits for Africa. Through this partnership, we are helping to drive growth and technological leadership across the continent.”
Positioning Nigeria for digital economy
With AI projected to add $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030, initiatives like this are vital. They not only align with Google’s ongoing N1.2 billion commitment to digital skills training but also create a blueprint for Nigeria to lead in AI and digital innovation across Africa.
This Google-backed initiative represents more than a funding announcement—it signifies a robust commitment to a sustainable digital future for Nigeria, where AI talent flourishes and shapes solutions for Africa’s pressing challenges.
