Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced a significant N2.8 billion commitment from Google, aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy through strategic initiatives outlined in the ministry’s Strategic Blueprint. The announcement was made alongside Google’s President of EMEA Business & Operations, Matt Brittin, as the tech giant pledged to support Nigeria’s technological transformation.
Dr. Tijani highlighted four major initiatives that Google’s investment will fuel:
- DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme: Designed to enhance advanced technical skills, this program aligns with Nigeria’s 3MTT initiative, aiming to equip 20,000 Nigerians with expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Experience AI Programme: Targeting young learners aged 11-14, this initiative, co-developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Google DeepMind, seeks to introduce AI fundamentals across Nigerian schools. Through this program, Google will train 25,000 educators to engage and inspire 125,000 students in AI.
- Apolitical Government AI Campus Programme: Aimed at equipping Nigerian public servants with critical AI governance skills, this virtual platform will provide training and resources to 100 senior-level and 1,000 practitioner-level government officials, promoting informed AI policy and governance.
- N100 Million AI Fund: In collaboration with NCAIR Nigeria, Google will support promising AI startups in Nigeria, each receiving N10 million in funding. Selected startups will also gain access to Google’s extensive AI resources, including up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud credits, mentorship, and technical support.
Expressing gratitude for Google’s commitment to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Dr. Tijani emphasized the impact of these initiatives on Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. “I appreciate the entire Google team for betting big on our technology ecosystem and their continued support,” he stated, underscoring his vision for a robust, innovative digital economy.