The Federal Government has secured a significant N2.8 billion grant from Google to advance artificial intelligence (AI) talent development across Nigeria.
Mr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, announced the landmark partnership at a recent press briefing in Abuja.
This new support comes shortly after the government’s recent collaboration with Google, which led to the launch of a N100 million AI fund initiative in the country. Mr. Tijani highlighted that the grant is part of Google’s broader $5.8 million commitment aimed at supporting digital skills programs across sub-Saharan Africa.
He stressed the importance of the grant in addressing critical challenges such as unemployment and economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
“This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation,” Mr. Tijani stated.
“By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.”
The Honourable Minister outlined that the grant will particularly focus on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance. In empowering selected startups, these sectors will benefit from AI-driven solutions tailored to tackle local challenges and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
He also emphasised the potential of AI in creating value for the country and the importance of nurturing a robust local ecosystem.
“I am a strong believer that the development we desire in Nigeria will not just come from the government. Government can set the agenda, but it is the ecosystem that programs like this from Google will truly ensure we build the economy that we want to see,” Mr. Tijani stated.
Mr. Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA, elaborated on how the grant would be implemented through Nigeria’s ongoing 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, which aims to train 20,000 Nigerians in advanced AI and data science skills. The 3MTT, launched on October 13, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s technical talent pipeline over four years, positioning the country as a leading talent exporter in the global digital economy.
“I am pleased to announce that Google.org is providing N2.8 billion (or approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the honourable minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria,” Mr. Brittin said. He stated that this funding would be channeled into key initiatives to advance AI skills development nationwide.
The grant will also support the Experience AI Program, developed in collaboration with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, which aims to train 25,000 educators and inspire 125,000 young learners by introducing them to AI fundamentals. Furthermore, the AI Fund, created in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), will invest in 10 promising Nigerian AI startups, offering them N100 million in funding along with up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud credits, mentorship, and technical support from Google engineers.
The 10 startups selected for the AI fund include BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk, and Trade Lenda. Brittin expressed optimism about the positive impact these startups will have on Nigeria’s digital landscape, fostering innovation and driving growth in AI technology.
