Google announces N3bn investment to boost Nigeria’s AI talent, digital safety infrastructure

Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has unveiled a N3 billion commitment to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation with a two-pronged initiative centred on advanced artificial intelligence (AI) talent development and digital safety enhancement.

The announcement was made on Friday in Lagos by Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, during a media roundtable.

Balogun said the funding reinforces Google’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria and aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital objectives, including the National AI Strategy and the ambition to create one million digital jobs.

He noted that Nigeria stands to unlock up to $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030, referencing research by Public First.

“This dual focus ensures the country has both the skilled workforce and the secure environment needed for economic growth to be sustainable and inclusive,” Balogun said.

He added that the latest commitment marks “the next chapter” in Google’s support for Nigeria’s digital journey, describing it as “an investment in people that empowers them with advanced AI skills while ensuring a safe digital space to operate.”

Balogun explained that the initiative builds upon earlier Google investments such as the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 ‘Skills Sprint’ programme, a N1.2 billion project carried out with Mind the Gap.

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That programme successfully trained 20,991 Nigerians—including 5,217 women—in AI and technology. Of these, 3,576 participants transitioned into jobs, internships, or entrepreneurial roles.

The N3 billion commitment will be directed toward five expert organisations tasked with developing talent, advancing innovation, and enhancing digital safety:

FATE Foundation, in partnership with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), will integrate an advanced AI curriculum into universities.

The African Technology Forum (ATF) will launch an innovation challenge to support developers in moving from training to real-world product creation.

Junior Achievement (JA) Africa will expand the Be Internet Awesome programme to empower young Nigerians with responsible online behaviour skills.

The CyberSafe Foundation will strengthen cybersecurity capabilities within public institutions, improving national resilience against digital threats.

Speaking on behalf of the implementing organisations, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, hailed the initiative as timely and transformative.

She said the programme responds to the urgent need for “deep AI competencies” across Africa and will equip universities, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa with advanced knowledge.

Adeyemi added that the initiative strongly aligns with FATE Foundation’s mission to drive innovation and inclusive economic growth, positioning Africa to take a leading role in the global technology landscape.

Google’s latest support places Nigeria on a stronger path toward building a future-ready workforce and securing its digital environment as the country deepens its push for technological leadership.