Tech giant partners five local organisations to deepen AI talent pipeline, secure Nigeria’s online space
Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, has announced a N3bn investment to support Nigeria’s digital transformation, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence training and strengthening the country’s digital safety framework. The pledge was unveiled on Friday during a press conference in Lagos.
The initiative is built on a two-track strategy and will be executed through five Nigerian and Africa-focused organisations: FATE Foundation, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, the African Technology Forum, Junior Achievement Africa, and the CyberSafe Foundation. These groups were selected for their proven impact in technology, education, and digital security.
According to Google, the programme aims to develop a pool of advanced AI talent while addressing rising cybersecurity risks, two areas viewed as essential for sustaining Nigeria’s digital growth. The tech company says the effort is designed to help Nigeria build a workforce capable of harnessing AI’s economic potential while also creating a safer environment for online users, businesses, and public institutions.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, welcomed the investment, describing artificial intelligence as central to Nigeria’s ambitions to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
“This timely support from Google and Google.org demonstrates the value of meaningful private-sector collaboration in shaping our digital infrastructure, nurturing talent, and executing our National AI Strategy,” Tijani said. He added that the initiative positions Nigerian developers and researchers to take part in the global AI revolution.
Under the AI development component, FATE Foundation working with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, will embed advanced AI courses into university programmes, providing both students and lecturers with modern training. The African Technology Forum will also introduce an innovation challenge that guides young developers from basic training to the creation of practical, real-world AI solutions.
Executive Director of FATE Foundation, Adenike Adeyemi, hailed the partnership as a groundbreaking step toward filling Africa’s AI talent gap. She said the project would empower institutions and students across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, aligning with FATE’s mission to strengthen innovation and sustainable growth on the continent.
On the digital safety side, Junior Achievement Africa will expand its “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum to train more young people on responsible online behaviour. The CyberSafe Foundation will work with public-sector institutions to enhance cybersecurity readiness, protect sensitive data, and improve digital infrastructure resilience.
The initiative is closely tied to Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and the federal government’s target of creating one million digital jobs. A study by Public First estimates that Nigeria could unlock as much as $15bn in economic value from AI by 2030, making skill development and online safety critical components of future growth.
Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, said the N3bn pledge represents the company’s continued commitment to the country’s technology ecosystem.
“This investment is about people, equipping them with advanced AI capabilities while ensuring they operate in a secure digital environment,” Balogun said. “We’re proud to support the ministry’s efforts and to help build a future where AI creates opportunities for all.”
Google’s announcement builds on previous commitments such as the Equiano subsea cable and the 2023 Skills Sprint programme executed with Mind the Gap. That initiative trained nearly 21,000 participants, over 5,000 of them women in AI and technology, and helped more than 3,500 transition into new jobs, internships, or businesses, reflecting continued progress in Nigeria’s digital economy.
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