Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has pledged N3 billion to Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) training and initiatives to strengthen online safety.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, unveiling a two-pronged approach aimed at cultivating AI talent and enhancing digital security.
The initiative will channel resources through five Nigerian organisations with established records in human development: FATE Foundation, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and the CyberSafe Foundation.
By targeting both skills development and cybersecurity, Google aims to equip Nigeria with a capable workforce and a more resilient digital ecosystem, addressing talent shortages and cyber vulnerabilities that could hinder the country’s ambitious digital agenda.
Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, lauded the investment, saying, “Artificial intelligence sits at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to raise productivity in our economy and compete globally in technology and innovation. I welcome this important and timely investment from Google and Google.org, which reflects the power of meaningful private-sector partnership in nurturing talent, strengthening digital infrastructure, and advancing our national AI priorities.”
To build AI expertise, FATE Foundation, in collaboration with AIMS, will integrate advanced AI curricula into universities, providing students and lecturers with cutting-edge knowledge. The African Technology Forum will complement this by launching an innovation challenge to guide developers from learning AI concepts to creating practical, real-world solutions.
Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, described the partnership as “a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.” She emphasised that the initiative aligns with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
On the digital safety front, Junior Achievement Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome curriculum to reach more youths, teaching safe online practices, while CyberSafe Foundation will work to enhance the cybersecurity posture of public institutions, helping them safeguard sensitive data and digital infrastructure.
The initiative is closely aligned with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the government’s goal of creating one million digital jobs. Research by Public First estimates that AI could unlock $15 billion in economic value for Nigeria by 2030, highlighting the importance of both skill development and digital safety in driving sustainable growth.
Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, said, “Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3bn commitment is the next chapter in that story. This is an investment in people, aimed at equipping them with advanced AI skills and ensuring a safe digital environment for all.”
The announcement builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, including infrastructure projects like the Equiano subsea cable and initiatives such as the 2023 Skills Sprint programme. The N1.2bn Skills Sprint trained 20,991 participants, including 5,217 women, in AI and tech, and enabled 3,576 participants to secure jobs, internships, or start businesses, demonstrating tangible progress in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
