Tech giant Google has announced a substantial $5.8 million investment to accelerate AI skilling initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, empowering individuals and organizations to leverage AI for economic growth and social impact.
This funding is set to support organizations that equip individuals across the continent with vital Al skills, preparing them for a world increasingly powered by artificial intelligence.
Google’s goal with this initiative is to enhance public understanding of Al, ensuring that people from diverse sectors can benefit from this technology.
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Recall that Google’s recently released digital opportunity of Africa report, projects that AI could contribute a staggering $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030. The tech in the report highlighted that for the first time, over half the population in Sub-Saharan Africa will have access to the Internet, while emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the cloud could significantly accelerate the continent’s development.
But to unlock this potential, Google emphasized the need to equip people with the skills and resources they need to build and use AI responsibly and effectively.
This is why the tech giant has committed the sum of $5.8 million commitment to accelerate AI skilling initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. The commitment goes beyond just technical expertise. Google aims to foster a deeper understanding of AI across society, ensuring everyone can participate in and benefit from this technological revolution.
Programs to be Supported by Google include the following;
- Empower workers with essential AI skills: Providing people across various industries with the knowledge to effectively utilize AI tools and technologies.
- Educate teens about AI safety and ethics: Empowering young people to become responsible and informed users of AI, understanding its potential impact on society.
- Equip non-profit leaders with foundational AI skills: Helping non-profit organizations leverage AI to amplify their impact and address social challenges more effectively.
- Support the public sector with AI skilling: Enabling governments to develop and implement AI-powered solutions for public services and policymaking.
Beyond skilling programs, Google will also boost investments in research and development across Africa, supporting innovation through infrastructure and partnerships. Google Research Africa centers in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, are key hubs focusing on Al projects tailored to African needs, such as the Open Buildings initiative for mapping buildings, which aids in urban planning and disaster response.
Additionally, the newly launched Product Development Center in Nairobi is crafting products suited to African users, including voice search and typing innovations in African languages. Google underscored the importance of collaboration to create a sustainable Al future.
In Nigeria, the company is supporting the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) to advance AI talent development by equipping Nigerians with essential AI skills. This includes contributing to the government’s 3 million technical talents (3MTT) program, investing in educational programs that introduce AI to teenagers, and backing an equity-free accelerator fund to empower Nigerian AI startups. Notably, it announced plans to equip policymakers with the knowledge and skills to navigate AI and develop responsible AI policies.
Google continues to make significant commitments to Africa’s future potential. Recall that in 2021, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sundar Pichai announced that Google would invest a further $1 billion in Africa over a five-year period to support a range of priorities, from improved connectivity to investment in startups.
With a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, a wealth of untapped talent, and a unique perspective on the challenges facing the world, Google believes that Africa is poised to become a global leader in AI innovation.
By investing in AI skills development, supporting local innovation, and working in partnership to build a robust AI ecosystem, the tech giant can unlock Africa’s extraordinary potential and create a future where technology empowers everyone to thrive.