- The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has announced a ₦2.8 billion Google grant to promote AI talent development in Nigeria.
- This Google.org’s grant to Data Science Nigeria will support the Ministry’s AI initiatives to upskill youth and unemployed Nigerians, aligning with Google.org’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- In August 2024, the country released the National AI Intelligence Strategy, which aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians.
The new grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry on AI talent development, including the DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme, which will train 20,000 young Nigerians in data science and AI; the Experience AI Programme, which will train 25,000 educators to teach AI to 125,000 students; and the Government AI Campus Programme, which will upskill policymakers in AI policy for responsible governance.
With Nigeria’s AI market projected to reach $1.05 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual growth rate of 28.1% to $4.64 billion by 2030, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, emphasised that Google’s support indicates a strong commitment to establishing Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
Similarly, about two months after announcing the launch of a ₦100 million fund to empower 10 Nigerian startups using AI in their technology products to drive AI innovation in Nigeria, the ministry has revealed the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund in partnership with Google.
Per the statement, each startup will receive ₦100 million in funding and up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, along with access to advanced AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and a global network of innovators and partners.
The 10 selected startups are BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk, and Trade Lenda.
The ministry explained that the focus on healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance is intended to address local challenges and drive long-term economic growth through AI.
