The federal government has secured N2.8 billion grant from Google to boost artificial intelligence (AI) talent development in the country.
Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovations and
digital economy, announced the partnership at a press briefing in Abuja on
Thursday.
The support comes one month after the government partnered
with Google to launch a N100 million AI fund initiative in Nigeria.
Tijani said the fund is part of Google’s $5.8 million
commitment to support digital skills programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
He said the fund will help close the unemployment gap and
economic hardship Nigerians face.
“This support from Google is a testament to our commitment
to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation,” the minister 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.
“This is a major step
forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all
Nigerians.”
‘AI CAN IMPROVE
NIGERIA’S ECONOMY’
Tijani said focusing on sectors such as healthcare,
agriculture, education, and governance, the selected startups will play a
crucial role in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable economic
growth through AI.
“Artificial intelligence is a sure tool that can create
value for the country itself. AI is already here and we must create a strong
ecosystem locally,” he said.
“I am a strong
believer that the development we desire in Nigeria will not just come from the
government. Government can set the
agenda but it is the ecosystem that a programme like this that Google has
mentioned that will truly ensure we build the economy that we want to see.”
On his part, Matt Brittin, president, Google EMEA, said the
grant will be implemented in Nigeria through the government’s ongoing three
million technical talents (3MTT) programme with a focus on 20,000 Nigerians
with AI skills.
The 3MTT, launched on October 13, is a four-year programme
aimed at training Nigerians and building the country’s technical talent
backbone to power the digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent
exporter.
Brittin added that through the scheme, 125,000 educators
will be trained and 10 promising Nigerian AI startups will be empowered with
N100 million.
“I am 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,” Brittin said.
“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) program, with
a focus on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data
science.
“Additionally, the Experience AI Program, developed with the
Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate
125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.
“Finally, 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.”
Brittin said BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak,
Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk and Trade Lenda, are
the 10 startups selected for the AI fund.
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