'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a groundbreaking partnership, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has announced a N2.8 billion grant from Google.org to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) talent development in Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled today, represents Google’s commitment to advancing digital skills across Sub-Saharan Africa and aligns with Nigeria’s goal to establish itself as a continental leader in AI innovation. The grant, managed in partnership with Data Science Nigeria, is part of Google.org's larger $5.8 million investment into digital skills programs for the region.
Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, praised Google’s support, emphasizing its role in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey. “This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation,” he said. “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.”
The N2.8 billion initiative will boost several programs under the Ministry’s AI talent development strategy:
1. DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme – This program aims to equip 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for a variety of careers in the rapidly expanding field.
2. Experience AI Programme – Targeting the educational sector, this initiative will provide 25,000 educators with resources to teach AI concepts to 125,000 young Nigerians, inspiring future generations of AI innovators.
3. Government AI Campus Programme – This program focuses on upskilling policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are both advanced and responsible.
The announcement follows the Ministry’s recent release of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which aims to leverage AI for economic growth, improved governance, and enhanced public well-being.
This new support builds upon the National AI Intelligence Strategy, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI-driven growth across Africa.
In addition to the talent development programs, FMCIDE and Google also revealed the beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). The fund will provide each selected startup with ₦100 million in funding, along with up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits. This support includes mentorship from Google AI experts and access to global networks and resources, designed to help startups scale and make a tangible impact.
The ten startups selected represent diverse fields from healthcare to agriculture, with AI solutions tailored to tackle local challenges:
- BetaLife Health – Uses AI to match blood donors and predict demand in Africa’s healthcare system.
- Bunce – Provides an AI-driven platform for customer engagement, helping businesses streamline client interactions.
- CDIAL AI – Delivers text-to-speech and speech-to-text services in 13 languages, targeting underserved regions.
- Farmspeak – Supports livestock farmers through AI-enabled disease detection and climate control solutions.
- Lendsqr – Empowers lenders and borrowers by streamlining loan processes through AI.
- ProDevs – Connects global companies with vetted African tech talent via AI-driven job matching.
- Rana Energy – Optimizes sustainable energy management for underserved users with AI technology.
- SaaSPro Health – Provides AI-driven healthcare documentation solutions for Nigerian doctors.
- Towntalk – Uses AI to offer contextual security insights, supporting safer communities in Africa.
- Trade Lenda – Facilitates MSME financing with an AI-driven credit analysis tool.
These startups are anticipated to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development by addressing real-world challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and security, thereby accelerating sustainable growth through innovation.
Matt Brittin, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reaffirmed Google’s commitment to supporting Africa’s digital economy. “Across Africa, entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology, including AI, to address large-scale societal challenges,” Brittin stated. “Google remains committed to supporting these innovators, helping them expand their impact across the continent and beyond.”
A recent report from Public First estimates that AI could add up to $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030. By supporting local talent and providing AI infrastructure, the collaboration between FMCIDE and Google aims to harness this economic potential, laying the groundwork for a future where AI innovation plays a central role in Nigeria’s growth.
This initiative builds on Google’s N1.2 billion investment in Nigeria announced in 2023, aimed at training 20,000 Nigerians in digital skills. Through partnerships like this, FMCIDE and Google aim to establish a sustainable AI ecosystem that not only promotes technological advancement but also drives significant economic and social benefits across Nigeria.
