Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has announced a N3 billion (US$2.1 million) commitment to support Nigeria’s digital transformation, with a focus on building advanced artificial intelligence (AI) talent and strengthening digital safety across the country.
The funding, unveiled on Friday, aligns with Nigeria’s newly launched National AI Strategy and the government’s wider plan to create 1 million digital jobs.
According to research by Public First, Nigeria stands to unlock $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030, underscoring the importance of both talent development and digital security as the country accelerates its tech-driven growth.
AI skills and digital safety
The commitment will be deployed through a two-pillar initiative targeting AI workforce development and cybersecurity resilience. Five organizations have been selected to implement the programs.
For AI talent development:
- FATE Foundation, in collaboration with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), will embed an advanced AI curriculum into universities to deepen technical capacity among students and faculty.
- The African Technology Forum (ATF) will launch an innovation challenge designed to help developers move from learning AI concepts to building real-world solutions.
For digital safety and security:
- Junior Achievement (JA) Africa will expand the Be Internet Awesome curriculum targeted at improving online safety skills for young people.
- The CyberSafe Foundation will work to enhance cybersecurity standards and resilience across public institutions.
Government welcomes private sector partnership
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. 'Bosun Tijani, said the investment reflects the critical role of collaboration in advancing national technology priorities.
“Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to raise productivity and compete globally in technology and innovation,” he said. “This timely investment from Google and Google.org demonstrates the power of private-sector partnerships in nurturing talent, strengthening digital infrastructure, and accelerating our National AI Strategy.”
Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, said the initiative directly responds to the continent’s growing need for advanced AI competencies. She noted that the curriculum integration effort will extend beyond Nigeria to universities in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, supporting the wider African innovation ecosystem.
“This strategic support aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent,” she said.
Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, described the initiative as an investment in people. “Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3 billion commitment is the next chapter in that story,” he said. “Our aim is to empower people with advanced AI skills while ensuring a safe digital space for everyone.”
Building on existing commitments
Google said the new funding builds on previous investments in Nigeria, including infrastructure projects like the Equiano subsea cable and digital training programs. In 2023, its Skills Sprint initiative—implemented through a N1.2 billion partnership with Mind the Gap—trained 20,991 people, including over 5,000 women in AI and technology, and facilitated more than 3,500 job placements, internships, or business launches.
The company said its latest commitment is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s push for digital leadership is supported by the right skills, tools, and secure environments to drive inclusive economic growth.
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