Google, through its charitable arm Google.org, has pledged N3bn to support Nigeria’s digital transformation, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) training and improving online safety. The announcement was made on Friday during a press conference in Lagos.
The initiative is built around a two-pronged strategy and will channel funds through five established local organisations: FATE Foundation, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and the CyberSafe Foundation.
One part of the project aims to develop advanced AI talent, while the other focuses on strengthening digital security.
Google says the goal is to equip Nigeria with a highly skilled workforce and a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem—addressing talent gaps and cyber risks that threaten the country’s ambitious digital agenda.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the investment as timely, adding that AI plays a crucial role in boosting productivity and positioning Nigeria to compete globally in innovation. He welcomed Google’s commitment, noting that it supports the government’s National AI Strategy and empowers Nigerian innovators to participate in the global AI revolution.
As part of the talent development plan, FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences will introduce advanced AI curricula to universities, giving lecturers and students access to modern training. The African Technology Forum will also launch an innovation challenge to help developers build real-world AI solutions.
FATE Foundation’s Executive Director, Adenike Adeyemi, said the Advanced AI Upskilling Project responds to Africa’s urgent need for deep AI expertise and will empower institutions across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
On the digital safety front, Junior Achievement Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome curriculum to reach more young people with online safety education. The CyberSafe Foundation will work to improve cybersecurity measures in public institutions, helping safeguard sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s goal of creating one million digital jobs and its National AI Strategy. Research by Public First estimates that AI could unlock $15bn for Nigeria’s economy by 2030, making both digital skills and security essential.
Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, said the N3bn pledge marks another major step in Google’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s digital growth. He noted that the investment aims to empower people with AI skills while ensuring a safer digital environment.
This commitment builds on previous efforts, including the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint programme—a N1.2bn initiative with Mind the Gap that trained over 20,000 people in AI and tech, creating thousands of new jobs, internships, and business opportunities.
