The Federal Government has secured a substantial N2.8 billion grant from Google to advance artificial intelligence (AI) talent development in Nigeria, aiming to bridge skill gaps and elevate the nation as a leader in AI innovation across Africa.
Announcing the initiative at a press briefing in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted that the funding will support AI-focused training for Nigerian youth and boost AI startups, thereby creating job opportunities and strengthening economic resilience nationwide.
“This support from Google underscores our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
“By leveraging Google’s expertise, we’re equipping Nigerians with essential skills to thrive in the global digital economy. This partnership marks a significant step toward an inclusive, innovative future for all Nigerians,” he said
The grant is part of Google’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skill development across sub-Saharan Africa, coming just a month after Nigeria’s launch of a N100 million AI fund in collaboration with Google.
Tijani highlighted the initiative’s focus on key sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, with selected AI startups playing a vital role in tackling local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth.
He underscored that AI’s potential as a development tool requires a robust local ecosystem, supported by strategic partnerships.
“It’s clear the development we want in Nigeria can’t come from government alone.
“Our role is to set the agenda, but initiatives like Google’s are what will truly build the economy we envision,” he added.
President of Google EMEA, Matt Brittin, said the grant will fund Nigeria’s ongoing “3 Million Technical Talents” programme, which targets AI skill development for 20,000 Nigerians. Launched on October 13, the 3MTT programme is a four-year drive to strengthen Nigeria’s technical talent pipeline, positioning the country as a net exporter of digital expertise.
Brittin shared that through the initiative, Google aims to train 125,000 educators and empower 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million, alongside $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits and mentorship from Google engineers.
“We’re providing N2.8 billion to the Data Scientists Network Foundation in support of the Minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria.
“This funding will advance AI skills and opportunities across the country,” Brittin stated.
