Google Invests $5.8 Million in AI, Cybersecurity Training Across Africa

• Oct 29, 2024

In a significant move to support digital skills in Africa, Google has committed $5.8 million to advance foundational training in AI and cybersecurity across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. This funding initiative aims to provide essential digital knowledge, with a focus on expanding workforce skills, educating teenagers on AI's ethical use, empowering non-profits with AI tools, and assisting public sector development in AI. The announcement was made during Matt Brittin’s recent visit to Kenya and Nigeria. Brittin, Google’s President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), highlighted the potential of AI to drive substantial economic growth in Africa, forecasting a potential $30 billion boost to the Sub-Saharan economy.

The funding has been earmarked for various organizations focusing on diverse aspects of digital literacy. One major recipient is the Data Scientists Network Foundation, awarded $1.5 million to launch a program for unemployed and at-risk Nigerians, offering foundational tech skills that equip them for the digital economy. Additionally, Google’s support extends to the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars, which will engage Nelson Mandela University and others across Africa. This program includes a $500,000 grant, along with comprehensive cybersecurity training, targeting university students and professionals aiming to enhance security practices in the region.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is also partnering with Google in this initiative. With $300,000 allocated, the foundation will work with organizations like Young Scientists Kenya and Data Scientists Network Foundation to provide AI literacy programs to young people in Kenya and Nigeria. These programs intend to increase awareness and understanding of AI, focusing on its safe and ethical applications.

During his announcement in Nairobi, Brittin underscored Google’s commitment to digital inclusivity: “AI could contribute $30 billion to the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa. But for this to be a meaningful change, everyone needs to be included. The $5.8 million announced today will help bring people, businesses, and nonprofits along to take part in harnessing technology for good.”

Beyond foundational training, Google.org has previously invested in innovative projects aimed at addressing specific African challenges. Through the Google AI Impact Challenge, for instance, Google.org funded the AirQo project, which employs AI to monitor and combat air pollution across the continent. Google also supported Jacaranda Health in Kenya, awarding $1.4 million to expand PROMPTS, an AI-enabled support tool that delivers personalized health advice via SMS to new and expecting mothers.

Google’s current funding builds on its $20 million initiative launched earlier to enhance digital skills and economic opportunities in Africa. In 2023 alone, Google’s “Grow with Google” program trained over 6.5 million Africans in digital skills, enabling them to develop their careers and start businesses.

Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to Africa, reflecting on Google’s journey since opening its first office in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2007. Okosi described Google’s efforts in collaboration with governments, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs, stressing that the company has been pivotal in expanding internet access and digital tools across the region, particularly for youth and small businesses.

To further its commitment to AI research and development, Google inaugurated an AI Research Centre in Accra, Ghana, in 2018, followed by a Product Development Center in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2022. These centers aim to harness AI for problem-solving and innovation, addressing both local and global challenges.