Google, an American multinational corporation and technology company, has given Nigeria the sum of N28.8 billion for the development of Artificial Intelligence in the West African country.
The donation of the money was announced by the Federal Government.
Google, poised to accelerating AI talent development across Nigeria, made the support through a N2.8 billion grant to Data Science Nigeria.
It is believed that the support will strengthen the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in its ongoing AI-driven initiatives to empower youth including under and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education.
This grant is part of Google’s broader $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, while announcing the grant in a statement, underscored the importance of the Google’a support in driving the nation’s digital transformation.
President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Matt Brittin, in his remarks disclosed that the company’s commitment to Africa’s innovation ecosystem is to ensure entrepreneurs harness the power of technology, including AI, to proffer solutions to large-scale societal challenges.
He said Google remains committed to supporting these innovators, helping them expand their impact across the continent and beyond.
Brittin stated that Google’s efforts in Africa have always been about unlocking the digital economy’s benefits for more people, adding that the synergy with Nigeria further attests its mission.
Giving insight to the grant, he said it is part of Google.org’s broader $5.8million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the financial support will bolster Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programs, including: DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme aimed at providing 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field.
Another area he mentioned is Experience AI Programme which is aimed at equipping 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators.
According to Brittin, Government AI Campus Programme is to upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly for economic transformation of the nation.