Google, through its philanthropic division Google.org, has announced a major ₦3 billion investment aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation. The funding focuses on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and improving online safety, marking one of Google’s most significant contributions to the country’s tech development.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Lagos, where Google outlined its mission to expand AI expertise and bolster cybersecurity across the nation.
Funding to Support Five Nigerian Digital Innovation Partners
The ₦3bn investment will be channelled through five Nigerian organisations, each tasked with executing specialised digital development programs:
- FATE Foundation
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
- African Technology Forum
- Junior Achievement Africa
- CyberSafe Foundation
These organisations will lead projects ranging from university-level AI integration to developer competitions and nationwide online safety education.
Designed to Advance Nigeria’s National AI Strategy
The initiative directly supports Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, which aims to cultivate a robust local talent pool and strengthen the country’s digital backbone.
Google noted that the funding will help close the gap in AI expertise and combat rising cybersecurity challenges, while enabling Nigerian innovators to compete in the global digital economy.
Key Areas of Impact
- AI education enhancement:
FATE Foundation and AIMS will roll out updated AI programs for students and academic staff. - Developer innovation challenge:
The African Technology Forum will run a nationwide competition to fast-track practical AI innovation. - Online safety for youth:
Junior Achievement Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome initiative. - Strengthened cybersecurity:
CyberSafe Foundation will implement advanced security frameworks within public-sector institutions.
Reactions from Government and Google Executives
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani praised the investment, noting that it will significantly advance Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and help local innovators tap into emerging global opportunities.
Google’s West Africa Director, Olumide Balogun, described the initiative as a human-focused investment, emphasising its goal of enabling digital skills growth and creating safer digital environments for Nigerians.
Building on Google’s Previous Digital Investments in Nigeria
This new commitment adds to Google’s ongoing investments in Nigeria, including:
- The Equiano subsea cable, which boosts internet capacity across Africa
- The 2023 Skills Sprint, which trained over 20,000 Nigerians, including more than 5,000 women in technology
These programs have helped thousands secure employment, gain internships, or launch startups.
AI’s Economic Potential for Nigeria
With this ₦3bn pledge, Google aims to support Nigeria in unlocking an estimated $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030. The initiative also aligns with the government’s ambition to create one million digital jobs, reinforcing the country’s vision for a technologically driven future.
