Business Economy Education Government Investments Technology Technology Trends Posted on

Nigeria Secures N2.8 Billion Google Investment to Boost Digital Economy and AI Development

Author admin 0 500

 

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:No alternative text description for this image

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Agriculture Business Culture Economy Posted on

Fountain Drip Nigeria Limited: Transforming Agriculture and Securing Nigeria’s Food Future

Author admin 0 72
post-image

 

 

 

Food security is an essential goal for every nation striving for sustainable development, and Nigeria is no exception. In a time when the global agriculture sector faces numerous challenges, Fountain Drip Nigeria Limited, together with its parent company, Diekolola Farms and Partners, stands as a beacon of hope and progress for Nigerian farmers and the agricultural ecosystem. From its base in Ogun State, the company has become a trusted ally for farmers nationwide, offering innovative solutions that are helping to revolutionize food production and sustain livelihoods.

At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to equipping farmers with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Fountain Drip Nigeria Limited specializes in irrigation system installation, sales of high-quality agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, as well as providing crop production services and consultancy for farm setup and management. These offerings reflect the company’s unwavering dedication to improving…

Read More
Business Technology Technology Trends Telecoms Posted on

NCC Charts a New Path for A2P Messaging in Nigeria with Stakeholder Forum

Author admin 0 80
post-image

 

In a significant move to enhance communication services and boost socio-economic development, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a virtual stakeholder forum on Friday, December 20, 2024, to deliberate on the draft framework for Application-to-Person (A2P) Messaging Services Licensing. The session provided a collaborative platform for industry players, government representatives, and consumers to discuss the potential and challenges of A2P messaging in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

A2P messaging, widely recognized as a vital communication tool, facilitates one-way notifications from businesses and applications to individuals. From transactional alerts such as bank notifications to promotional campaigns and healthcare reminders, the framework for A2P messaging aims to set the standard for delivering secure, reliable, and timely updates.

Building Bridges Between Stakeholders

Welcoming participants on behalf of the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, the acting Head of Legal & Regulatory Services, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, underscored the importance of the forum. “A2P messaging has become a cornerstone of modern…

Read More
Business Posted on

NDPC Partners with Microsoft and DSN on AI and Data Protection Capacity Building

Author admin 0 51
post-image

 

In a significant move to enhance data protection and privacy in Nigeria, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, recently held a virtual meeting with key stakeholders. The session included Microsoft’s Head of Governance Affairs for Nigeria, Nonye Ujam, and the Chief Executive Officer of Data Science Nigeria (DSN), Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi.

The meeting focused on Microsoft-supported initiatives aimed at capacity building for the NDPC, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection best practices, and enabling technologies.

Dr. Olatunji, in his remarks, underscored the importance of human capital development as a catalyst for innovation. He noted that this priority aligns seamlessly with the Commission’s strategic roadmap. “The global data protection and privacy ecosystem is evolving rapidly,” he said, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to equipping its workforce with the skills needed to meet international standards.

The training program, supported by Microsoft, aims to…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Environment Investments Leisure News Opinion Society Tourism Travels Trends Posted on

Nigerian Man Transforms Owerri Into a Mini Las Vegas: A Thriving Destination for Luxury and Entertainment

Author admin 0 229
post-image

 

Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, Nigeria, is rapidly earning its spot as a premier destination for leisure and luxury seekers. Thanks to the visionary efforts of a Nigerian entrepreneur based in Japan, the city now boasts a hospitality experience akin to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.

This bold transformation has ignited conversations across Nigeria, with many questioning why anyone would spend scarce foreign currency on overseas vacations when Owerri now offers comparable luxury right at home. With its burgeoning array of five-star hotels and world-class amenities, the city is becoming a haven for weekend getaways and extended vacations.

A Boom in Luxury Hospitality

Owerri’s hospitality scene is nothing short of a marvel. Despite calls for investors to diversify into other economic sectors, the city continues to witness an unprecedented rise in hotel construction. This trend is driven by robust demand, as many of the hotels are consistently fully…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Opinion Society Software Posted on

Opay Digital Honored by CBN for Pioneering Financial Inclusion in Nigeria

Author admin 0 224
post-image

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

As Nigeria’s financial landscape evolves with a focus on innovation and inclusivity, one name has continued to resonate within the fintech space—Opay Digital. Recently, this forward-thinking financial technology firm achieved a remarkable milestone, earning the “Financial Inclusion Innovation Award” at the 2nd Annual International Financial Inclusion Conference, organized by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This prestigious award recognizes Opay Digital’s groundbreaking contributions toward financial inclusion and its commitment to delivering secure, innovative, and user-centric solutions. For many Nigerians, Opay has become synonymous with accessible financial services, bridging gaps where traditional banking systems have struggled.

The company’s excitement over this achievement was palpable. In a statement shared with their customers and stakeholders, Opay Digital expressed deep gratitude, saying, “We are excited to share that OPay has been awarded the ‘Financial Inclusion Innovation Award’ by the Central Bank of Nigeria! This recognition highlights our unwavering dedication to advancing financial…

Read More
Agriculture Announcements Business Culture Economy Posted on

Afrimash Urges Poultry Farmers to Embrace Best Practices, Stresses Odor Control

Author admin 0 150
post-image

 

Afrimash Nigeria, an agritech firm based in Ibadan, Oyo State, and known for its commitment to supporting the agricultural sector with top-notch services and products, is shining a spotlight on the importance of odor control in poultry farming. The company, which prides itself on helping farmers achieve sustainable success, is now calling attention to an issue that is often underestimated but critical to the health of farms and their surrounding communities.

Speaking about the matter, the CEO of Afrimash, Ayo, explained that while poultry farming plays an essential role in food production, it sometimes brings challenges, including unpleasant odors. These odors, if not addressed, can have far-reaching consequences. They don’t just create discomfort for nearby residents but also pose risks to the environment and even the birds themselves.

“Odor control in poultry farms is not just a courtesy to neighbors—it’s a necessity for the health of the farm and the environment,”…

Read More
Business Culture Posted on

NDPC Partners Ministry of Youth Development to Train 5,000 Youths on Data Protection

Author admin 0 143
post-image

 

In a bid to advance data privacy and protection in Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has commenced implementing its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Youth Development. This initiative aims to train 5,000 youths nationwide on data protection and privacy.

As part of this partnership, the NDPC recently organised a two-day training program tailored for the Ministry’s management staff. The training, led by experts from the Commission, focused on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge required to comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act). The program also sought to foster a culture of privacy and ethical data handling within the Ministry and across its activities.

Held under the theme “Empowering Data Protection Compliance and Security,” the training provided in-depth insights into the ethical handling of personal data and underscored the importance of safeguarding the privacy of young Nigerians. The youth demographic, often regarded as…

Read More
Announcements Business Posted on

NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, Highlights Ethical AI at the 19th Annual Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh

Author admin 0 550
post-image

 

The 19th Annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has proven to be a critical platform for global discussions on the future of internet governance. Among the key figures making impactful contributions is Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

One of the standout moments of Inuwa’s participation was his involvement in a session focused on “Building Ethical AI: Policy Tool for Human-Centric and Responsible AI Governance.” During the session, Inuwa stressed the importance of ethical development in artificial intelligence (AI) and underscored the role of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) in fostering responsible AI practices.

Inuwa praised the DCO’s Responsible AI Tool, emphasizing its significance as a foundational step toward ensuring AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that are socially beneficial and aligned with human-centric values.

NITDA’s engagement at the IGF reflects the agency’s dedication to shaping the future…

Read More