Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Bosun Tijani, has announced that the Nigerian Government has secured a grant of N2.8 billion from Google to boost artificial intelligence talent development across Nigeria and close the skill gaps and position the country at the forefront of AI innovation in Africa.
The minister told a news conference on Thursday in Abuja that the Google grant would fund initiatives to train Nigerian youth and support AI startups, enhance job opportunities and economic resilience nationwide.
“This support from Google underscores our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
“By leveraging Google’s expertise, we’re equipping Nigerians with essential skills to thrive in the global digital economy. This partnership marks a significant step toward an inclusive, innovative future for all Nigerians,” he said
According to the report by Punch newspaper, the grant is part of Google’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skill development across sub-Saharan Africa, coming just a month after Nigeria’s launch of a N100 million AI fund in collaboration with Google.
The Nigerian minister stated that the initiative will focus on key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, with selected AI startups playing a vital role in tackling local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth.
He explained that the AI’s potential is a development tool that requires a robust local ecosystem, supported by strategic partnerships.
“Our role is to set the agenda, but initiatives like Google’s are what will truly build the economy we envision,” he said.
The report said that the President of Google EMEA, Matt Brittin, explained that the grant would fund Nigeria’s ongoing “3 Million Technical Talents” programme, which targets AI skill development for 20,000 Nigerians. Launched on October 13, the 3MTT programme is a four-year drive to strengthen Nigeria’s technical talent pipeline, positioning the country as a net exporter of digital expertise.
Brittin stated that through the initiative, Google aims to train 125,000 educators and empower 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million, alongside $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits and mentorship from Google engineers.
“We’re providing N2.8 billion to the Data Scientists Network Foundation in support of the Minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria.
“This funding will advance AI skills and opportunities across the country,” Brittin added.
GIK/APA