Google.org has announced a $2.1 million (₦3 billion) investment to support Nigeria’s artificial intelligence sector, targeting the creation of one million digital jobs and strengthening the country’s growing tech economy.
The initiative is aligned with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and is expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s digital transformation, with AI projected to add $15 billion to the economy by 2030.
The funding will support partnerships with local organizations focused on skills development and cybersecurity.
FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) will collaborate with universities to integrate AI curriculum into classroom teaching, creating a sustainable pipeline of AI-ready graduates.
Similarly, the African Technology Forum (ATF) will run an AI innovation challenge, guiding developers from bootcamp training through product development and pitching stages.
Google also emphasized digital safety. Junior Achievement Africa will scale the “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum to teach online safety to youth, parents, and teachers nationwide, while the CyberSafe Foundation will provide cybersecurity training and technical support to public institutions to strengthen digital infrastructure defenses.
Highlighting the human impact of its digital skills programs, Google cited the case of Joel Kiate, a digital marketer in Abuja, who secured employment after completing Google’s training despite failing university entrance exams five times.
A Google spokesperson said: “When we connect people with the right tools and opportunities, they don’t just find jobs—they build careers and become part of Nigeria’s growing digital economy.”
The investment reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s tech sector, which continues to position itself as a major hub for digital innovation in Africa.
