Google has announced a $5.8 million investment to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) skills development across Sub-Saharan Africa, in a significant step toward enhancing Africa’s digital transformation.
Google says that the initiative aims to equip a new generation of African innovators with essential AI competencies, enabling them to address pressing issues and contribute to economic growth on the continent.
“AI has the potential to transform industries, drive economic growth, and create solutions for challenges ranging from healthcare to climate change,” Matt Brittin President, Business & Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa, says.
“We firmly believe that Africa is poised to become a global leader in AI innovation. The continent has a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, a wealth of untapped talent, and a unique perspective on the challenges facing the world. By investing in AI skills development, supporting local innovation, and working in partnership to build a robust AI ecosystem, we can unlock Africa’s extraordinary potential and create a future where technology empowers everyone to thrive,” Google said.
Harnessing AI for economic growth
According to Google’s recent “Digital Opportunity of Africa” report, AI has the potential to contribute approximately $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030. However, unlocking this potential requires equipping individuals with the necessary skills and resources to responsibly and effectively utilise AI technologies.
Matt Brittin highlighted that Google’s investment aims to foster a broader understanding of AI across various sectors. The initiatives will focus on:
Empowering Workers: Providing essential AI skills to individuals across different industries to effectively utilise AI tools.
Educating Teens: Teaching young people about AI safety and ethics, ensuring they become responsible users of this technology.
Supporting Non-profits: Equipping non-profit leaders with foundational AI skills to enhance their impact on social challenges.
Assisting the Public Sector: Enabling governments to develop and implement AI-driven solutions for public services and policymaking.
Recognising that the journey to a robust AI future requires collaboration, Google says it is partnering working with governments, non-profits, and educational institutions across Africa. “In Nigeria, we’re 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. We’re also going to be equipping policymakers with the knowledge and skills to navigate AI and develop responsible AI policies,” the technology company highlighted.
Investing in Research and Development
Google emphasised that it is committed to supporting Africa’s AI ecosystem through ongoing investments in research, infrastructure, and partnerships. The Google Research Africa Centres in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, serve as hubs for developing innovative AI solutions tailored to African challenges. One such project, Open Buildings, employs AI to map buildings across Africa, providing critical data for urban planning and disaster response.
“We firmly believe that Africa is poised to become a global leader in AI innovation. The continent has a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, a wealth of untapped talent, and a unique perspective on the challenges facing the world. By investing in AI skills development, supporting local innovation, and working in partnership to build a robust AI ecosystem, we can unlock Africa’s extraordinary potential and create a future where technology empowers everyone to thrive,” Google said.
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