FG secures N2.8bn grant from Google to advance AI development in Nigeria

The federal government has secured N2.8 billion grant from Google to boost artificial intelligence (AI) talent development in the country.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovations and digital economy, announced the partnership at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

The support comes one month after the government partnered with Google to launch a N100 million AI fund initiative in Nigeria.

Tijani said the fund is part of Google’s $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.

He said the fund will help close the unemployment gap and economic hardship Nigerians face.

“This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation,” the minister said.

“By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy.

“This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.”

‘AI CAN IMPROVE NIGERIA’S ECONOMY’

Tijani said focusing on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, the selected startups will play a crucial role in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth through AI.

“Artificial intelligence is a sure tool that can create value for the country itself. AI is already here and we must create a strong ecosystem locally,” he said.

“I am a strong believer that the development we desire in Nigeria will not just come from the government.  Government can set the agenda but it is the ecosystem that a programme like this that Google has mentioned that will truly ensure we build the economy that we want to see.”

On his part, Matt Brittin, president, Google EMEA, said the grant will be implemented in Nigeria through the government’s ongoing three million technical talents (3MTT) programme with a focus on 20,000 Nigerians with AI skills.

The 3MTT, launched on October 13, is a four-year programme aimed at training Nigerians and building the country’s technical talent backbone to power the digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter.

Brittin added that through the scheme, 125,000 educators will be trained and 10 promising Nigerian AI startups will be empowered with N100 million.

“I am pleased to announce that Google.org is providing N2.8 billion (or approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the honourable minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria,” Brittin said.

“This funding will be directed toward critical initiatives that advance AI skills and opportunities across the country.

“Through this grant, we’re supporting the FMCIDE’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, with a focus on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data science.

“Additionally, the Experience AI Program, developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate 125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.

“Finally, the AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is providing 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million in funding, alongside up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support.”

Brittin said BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk and Trade Lenda, are the 10 startups selected for the AI fund.