Google has announced a new initiative to provide free one-year AI Pro subscriptions to college students in Nigeria and seven other African countries, part of its ongoing investments in Africa’s digital transformation.
The program will roll out first in:
Nigeria
Ghana
Kenya
Egypt
Morocco
South Africa
Rwanda
Zimbabwe
Eligible students aged 18 and above will gain access to advanced AI tools, including:
- Deep Research – delivering custom research reports from hundreds of sources
- Gemini 2.5 Pro – designed to support writing, academic work, and productivity
Google says the initiative aims to equip Africa’s next generation with world-class skills for the AI-driven global economy.
Google’s Investments in AI and Education
In a statement, Google highlighted its broader commitment to youth empowerment and education:
- Over 7 million Africans have received digital skills training through Google’s programs
- Another 3 million are expected to be trained by 2030
- More than $17 million in funding, curriculum support, and AI access has been provided to African universities and research institutions in the past four years
- An additional $9 million will be deployed in the coming year
These efforts align with Google’s goal of making Africa a global hub for digital innovation and AI adoption.
Boosting Connectivity Through Subsea Cables
Beyond education, Google also announced plans to establish four new subsea cable hubs across Africa, north, south, east, and west.
These hubs will enhance the company’s Africa Connect program, which includes:
- Equiano cable – running along Africa’s west coast
- Umoja fiber route – linking Kenya to Australia
Google estimates that Equiano alone will contribute significantly to Africa’s economies in 2025:
- $11.1 billion to Nigeria’s GDP
- $5.8 billion to South Africa’s GDP
- $290 million to Namibia’s GDP
According to Alex Okosi, Google’s Managing Director for Africa, the initiative is a unified investment into Africa’s next generation, combining AI education, digital tools, and advanced connectivity.