Emma Okonji

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), has announced fresh support from Google to accelerate AI talent development across Nigeria. 

The support, which is provided through a N2.8 billion grant from Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, will bolster the ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth, as well as under and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill development and education. 

The grant is part of Google.org’s broader $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking about the support, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of the support in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation

According to him, “The support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation. By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.”

The N2.8 billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programmes, including:

DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme: To provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field.

The training is expected to cover areas like Experience AI Programme, and Government AI Campus Programme. 

While the Experience AI Programme will equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators, the Government AI Campus Programme will upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly.

Earlier this year, the ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy. The strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians. The new support from Google.org will build on this strong foundation, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI innovation on the continent.

In a significant step toward advancing the AI ecosystem, the ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google. The Fund will see each selected startup receive N100 million in funding, along with up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions. Additionally, the startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.