The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) has announced a 2.8 billion naira Google grant to help develop AI talent in Nigeria.
The grant from Google.org to Data Science Nigeria will support the ministry’s AI initiative to upskill young and unemployed Nigerians. It is also aligned with Google.org’s $5.8 million commitment to digital skills programs across sub-Saharan Africa.
In August 2024, the country unveiled its National AI Intelligence Strategy. This aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance and enhance well-being for all Nigerians.
The new grant will support collaboration between Data Science Nigeria and the Federal Ministry in developing AI talent, including through the DeepTech Ready Upskilling Program. This program which will train 20,000 young Nigerians in data science and AI, and the Experience AI Programme, which will train 25,000 educators to become AI-capable. It will teach AI to 125,000 students. The Government AI Campus program aims to educate policymakers on AI policies for good governance.
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Advent of AI in Nigeria
The AI market in Nigeria is expected to reach $1.05 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 28.1% to $4.64 billion by 2030. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stressed that Google’s support represents a strong commitment to establishing Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.
Similarly, it announced the selection of beneficiaries for a private AI fund in partnership with Google. Two months ago, the ministry announced the launch of a 100 million naira fund to support 10 Nigerian startups using AI in their technology products to drive AI innovation in Nigeria
According to the statement, each startup will receive 100 million naira in funding and up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud credits, as well as access to advanced AI tools, mentorship from Google AI experts, and a global network of innovators and partners.
The 10 selected startups are BetaLife Health, Bounce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk and Trade Lenda.
The ministry said it aims to address regional challenges and drive long-term economic growth through AI, focusing on healthcare, agriculture, education and governance.
