During a trip to Nairobi, Google President of EMEA Matt Brittin, announced $5.8 million in Google funding to support foundational AI and cybersecurity training this year across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The funding will be used to equip workers with foundational AI skills, preparing them for the digital economy. Additionally, it will support initiatives to educate teenagers about AI and promote its safe and ethical use.
Several organizations have been awarded significant funding. The Data Scientists Network Foundation (DSNF) will receive a $1.5 million grant to establish a program specifically geared towards unemployed and at-risk Nigerians.
Several universities, including Nelson Mandela University, will participate in the Google Cybersecurity Seminars program. This initiative offers $500,000 in grant support alongside comprehensive training materials and in-depth instruction. The program aims to equip 200 students with practical cybersecurity skills, while concurrently strengthening the digital defenses of 250 local organizations.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation is contributing $300,000 to support Young Scientists Kenya and the Data Scientists Network Foundation. These funds will be used to launch AI literacy education programs specifically designed for young people in Kenya and Nigeria.
The announcement came as part of the visit of Matt Brittin to Kenya and Nigeria where he said, “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.”
Google has nearly 716,000 professional developers across the continent, the company’s programs have impacted half of this talented pool.
Alex Okosi, Managing Director of Google Africa, said: “Ever since the opening of Google’s first office in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2007, we’ve been a partner in Africa’s economic and digital transformation: working hand in hand with governments, policymakers, educational bodies and entrepreneurs.” Okosi added, “Many of them are young, entrepreneurial and creative – ready to drive new innovation and opportunity across the region.”
