Google is making a significant investment in AI training in sub-Saharan Africa, with a new commitment of $5.8 million to empower the workforce with essential AI skills.
This funding will support various programs aimed at helping individuals across different sectors learn how to utilize AI tools and integrate AI into their work, preparing them for an AI-driven future.
The investment will also benefit programs focused on AI safety and ethics for teenagers, AI training for nonprofit leaders, and skill development for the public sector.
As part of its efforts to promote regional innovation, Google is expanding its research and development initiatives in Africa. The Google Research Africa centers in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, are actively working on projects like Open Buildings, an AI initiative that maps buildings across Africa to assist in urban planning, disaster relief, and social development.
In addition, the newly launched Product Development Center in Nairobi is creating solutions tailored for African markets, including voice-enabled technology for African languages and a low-bandwidth HTML5 gaming platform.
Google recognizes the importance of partnerships in scaling these efforts. The company collaborates with governments, nonprofits, and private organizations to maximize the impact of AI benefits within communities.
In Nigeria, Google has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to help cultivate three million technical talents. This partnership involves funding educational programs that introduce AI to young Nigerians and supporting AI startups through an equity-free accelerator fund.
This $5.8 million commitment is part of Google’s broader $1 billion pledge from 2021 to enhance Africa’s digital growth. The investment also supports the Equiano cable, which has been improving internet speed and reliability across the region. Through these initiatives, Google continues to drive digital skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation throughout Africa.
