- The Federal Government has secured Google’s N2.8 billion AI development grant
- The funding will support AI startups focused on developing innovative solutions to local challenges
- The grant is part of Google’s $5.8 million commitment to support African innovators
Nigeria has secured a N2.8 billion Google Artificial Intelligence (AI) development grant to support the country’s advancement in AI and the digital economy.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, the grant initiative aims to equip Nigerians with advanced AI skills that will enable them to thrive in the global economy.
Tijani added that the initiative will transform the country’s digital ecosystem and support economic growth by providing such benefits as employment opportunities, infrastructure development and effective operation of service provision in every sector.
He said, “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 minister also said the initiative focuses on key sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education and governance while selected AI startups will play a vital role in tackling local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth.
The initiative is to support AI-driven startups in Nigeria and is a collaboration between the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and Google.
It is part of Google’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skill development across Sub-Saharan Africa and comes just a month after Nigeria launched a N100 million AI fund in collaboration with Google.
‘Google remains committed to supporting African innovators’
While announcing the AI Talent Development funding on Thursday, October 31, in Abuja, President of Google for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Matt Brittin, said Google is committed to supporting the continent’s innovators and the ecosystem.
Brittin said, “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. Our work in Africa has always been about unlocking the digital economy’s benefits for more people and this collaboration continues that mission.
“I’m pleased to announce that Google.org is providing N2.8 billion (or approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the Honourable Minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria. This funding will be directed toward critical initiatives that advance AI skills and opportunities across the country.
“Through this grant, we’re supporting the FMCIDE’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme, with a focus on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data science.”
Programmes under the AI Talent Funding
Brittin added that the initiative will support other AI programmes in the country like the Experience AI programmes and the AI Campus programme.
Also, the funding will provide N100 million to 10 Nigerian AI startups, Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers and technical support. Among the 10 startups in the initiative are BetaLife Health, an AI platform that addresses blood supply needs across Africa, and Trade Lenda, which leverages AI to streamline credit access for small and medium-sized enterprises, Rana Energy and Towntalk, whose work seeks to tackle local issues with innovative AI solutions.
He said, “Additionally, the Experience AI Programme, developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate 125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.
“We are also investing in the government AI Campus Programme, providing training and resources for Nigerian policymakers.
“This programme will help ensure that as AI adoption accelerates, Nigeria’s public sector is well-equipped to navigate this landscape with a focus on responsible governance.
“The AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is providing 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million in funding, alongside up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers and technical support.
“This support will enable these startups to scale solutions that address local needs in areas like healthcare, energy and security.”
Nigeria earned N2.55tn tax from Google, Netflix, other foreign companies in first half of 2024
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s revenue has increased tremendously in 2024 through the taxation of foreign companies receiving profits from their services and residents in Nigeria.
For instance, Google, Netflix, Facebook and other foreign companies operating in Nigeria paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to the Federal Government in the first half of 2024. This amount represents an increase of 158.76 per cent from N985.27 billion collected in 2023.
