Google Pledges ₦3 Billion to Advance AI Skills and Cybersecurity in Nigeria
Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has pledged ₦3 billion to support Nigeria’s digital transformation, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and online safety. The announcement was made on Friday at a press conference in Lagos, signalling one of Google’s biggest commitments to Nigeria’s fast-growing tech ecosystem.
The funding will drive a two-pronged strategy: expanding advanced AI talent and strengthening cybersecurity across the country.
Funds to Support Five Key Nigerian Organisations
The ₦3 billion pledge will be distributed among five local organisations, each responsible for specific digital capacity-building initiatives:
- FATE Foundation
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
- African Technology Forum
- Junior Achievement Africa
- CyberSafe Foundation
These organisations will oversee a range of programs, including integrating AI courses into universities, running developer challenges, and expanding online safety education for young people.
Supporting Nigeria’s National AI Strategy
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, which aims to develop a highly skilled workforce and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.
Google highlighted that the funding is designed to address the shortage of AI expertise and growing cybersecurity threats facing Nigeria. The investment will also help position Nigerian innovators for global competitiveness.
Key Program Components
- Advanced AI education:
FATE Foundation and AIMS will introduce cutting-edge AI curricula for both students and lecturers. - AI innovation challenge:
The African Technology Forum will guide developers from AI learning to building real-world applications. - Youth online safety:
Junior Achievement Africa will expand its Be Internet Awesome program. - Cybersecurity in public institutions:
CyberSafe Foundation will implement improved security measures to protect government systems.
Government and Google Leaders React
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the investment will accelerate the execution of the National AI Strategy and support Nigeria’s ambition to build a globally competitive AI ecosystem.
Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, described the funding as a people-centred investment, aimed at empowering citizens with digital skills and ensuring safer online environments.
Building on Previous Google Investments
The ₦3bn commitment follows Google’s earlier initiatives, including:
- The Equiano subsea cable, which enhances connectivity across Africa
- The Skills Sprint programme (2023), which trained over 20,000 Nigerians, including 5,000 women in technology
Many participants of these programs have since secured jobs, internships, or launched their own ventures.
Driving Economic Growth Through AI
With the new AI-focused investment, Google aims to help unlock an estimated $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030. The initiative also supports Nigeria’s goal of creating one million digital jobs, fostering innovation, and advancing digital literacy nationwide.
