Through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Nigerian government has announced new support from Google to accelerate AI talent development across Nigeria.Â
This support, provided through a N2.8 billion grant from Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, will bolster the Ministryâs ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and under- and unemployed Nigerians, focusing on AI skill development and education.Â
The grant is part of Google’s $ 5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking during a press briefing at the ministry in Abuja, Matthew Brittin, President of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Business & Operations for Google, said Google.org is giving the $1.7 million to fund data scientists network foundation aiming for AI growth in Nigeria
He said:
âFinally, the AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, provides 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with â¦100 million in funding, up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support.Â
Also speaking, âBosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, said this support from Google is a testament to the ministry’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
Tijani said:
The N2.8 billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeriaâs work with the Federal Ministryâs AI talent development programs, including:
– DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme to provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI.
– Experience AI Programme to equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI.
– The government AI Campus Programme will upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking.
According to reports earlier this year, the ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the NAIS.Â
The ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in partnership with Google.Â
Selected startups receive â¦100 million in funding and up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions.Â
The startups will gain access to Googleâs world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.
The development comes after Google announced the opening of applications for the eighth cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme.
The programme is in its eighth edition and offers three intensive virtual training boot camps, mentorship, and Google product support.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Google’s startups ecosystem in Africa, said the tech programme is open to Nigerian innovators and those from other West, East, and North African countries.
