Nigeria Receives N3 Billion Investment from Google.org to Advance Digital Transformation
This initiative aligns closely with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the broader objective of creating one million digital jobs, positioning the country as a future leader in AI innovation.
Technology giant Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has announced a N3 billion ($2.1 million) investment in Nigeria aimed at fast-tracking the country’s digital transformation. The funding, unveiled on Friday, will focus on a dual approach: building advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent and strengthening digital safety and cybersecurity across the nation.
This initiative aligns closely with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the broader objective of creating one million digital jobs, positioning the country as a future leader in AI innovation. Analysts project that AI could unlock up to $15 billion in economic value for Nigeria by 2030, emphasizing the need for both skilled professionals and secure digital infrastructure.
The funding will be channeled through five expert organisations: FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), African Tech Forum (ATF), JA Africa, and the CyberSafe Foundation. Together, these organisations will deliver initiatives that include embedding advanced AI curricula into universities, guiding developers from concept to real-world products through innovation challenges, and enhancing digital literacy and cybersecurity for youth and public institutions.
Through this support, the FATE Foundation and AIMS will drive the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, targeting tertiary students and lecturers in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The African Tech Forum will run innovation challenges to translate learning into practical applications, while JA Africa’s ‘Be Internet Awesome’ programme and CyberSafe Foundation will bolster online safety and cybersecurity standards.
This investment builds on Google’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s digital economy, which includes infrastructure projects such as the Equiano subsea cable and prior initiatives like the 2023 Skills Sprint programme. That programme, which saw a N1.2 billion investment, trained over 20,000 participants—including more than 5,000 women in AI and tech—and helped thousands secure jobs, internships, or start businesses.
By combining skills development with enhanced digital safety, Google.org’s latest pledge aims to ensure that Nigeria not only builds a robust AI talent pipeline but also creates a secure and inclusive digital environment to support sustainable economic growth.
