Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has announced a N3 billion (US$2.1 million) commitment to Nigeria aimed at accelerating the country’s digital advancement under a two-pronged initiative.
The announcement was made on Friday by Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, during a media roundtable in Lagos.
Balogun explained that the funding will support programmes designed to build high-level AI expertise while improving digital safety and community security. He emphasised that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of digital transformation and supports the National AI Strategy, as well as the federal target of creating one million digital jobs.
He noted that Nigeria stands to unlock an estimated US$15 billion in economic value from artificial intelligence by 2030, based on research from Public First.
“This dual focus ensures that the country develops both the talent base and the secure digital environment needed for sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said.
Balogun added that Google has been a longstanding partner in Nigeria’s technology journey, referencing key projects such as the Equiano subsea cable and previous capacity-building programmes, including the 2023 ‘Skills Sprint’ initiative—a N1.2 billion investment delivered through Mind the Gap.
The ‘Skills Sprint’ programme trained 20,991 participants, including 5,217 women, in AI and technology skills, with 3,576 beneficiaries going on to secure jobs, internships, or business opportunities, showing real progress in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Balogun explained that the new fund will be channelled through five specialist organisations to develop AI talent. One of the major partnerships involves FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which will integrate advanced AI curricula into universities.
A third organisation, the African Technology Forum (ATF), will introduce an innovation challenge to help developers transition from training to building real-world AI solutions.
To strengthen digital safety, Junior Achievement (JA) Africa will expand the ‘Be Internet Awesome’ curriculum for young people, while the CyberSafe Foundation will work to improve the cybersecurity capacity of public institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary organisations, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, said the partnership with AIMS—supported by Google.org—was timely and essential.
She described the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project as a response to Africa’s urgent need for deep technical AI skills, noting that it will empower universities, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Adeyemi stressed that the initiative aligns with FATE Foundation’s mission to drive innovation and long-term economic development across Africa, ensuring the continent is equipped to take a leading role in the global technological landscape.
