Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), yesterday, announced new support from Google to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent development across Nigeria.

The support, which is provided through a N2.8 billion grant from Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, will bolster the ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education.

The grant is part of Google.org’s broader $5.8 million commitment to support digital skills programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of the support in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, saying: “This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation. 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.”

The N2.8 billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programmes, including the DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme, to provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in the rapidly growing field.

Secondly, the Experience AI Programme is to equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators and Government AI Campus Programme is targeted at upskilling policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly.

The ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google.

The Fund will see each selected startup receive ₦100 million in funding, along with up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions. Additionally, these startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.

The 10 startups selected for the AI Fund are: BetaLife Health, Bunce; CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health; Towntalk and Trade Lenda.

President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Matt Brittin, shared Google’s commitment to Africa’s innovation ecosystem, saying: “Across Africa, entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology, including AI, to address large-scale societal challenges. Google remains committed to supporting these innovators, helping them expand their impact across the continent and beyond.