Google is intensifying efforts to harness Artificial Intelligence to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, viewing it as a vital tool for economic growth and development.
The President of Google Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Matt Brittin, stated this in a note shared with The PUNCH.
According to him, the search engine giant aims to position emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing at the forefront of economic and social development, with a focus on boosting connectivity, expanding access to digital skills, and empowering local entrepreneurs.
“Google is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, but we’re prouder still of those driving this change. Across the region, African entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and organisations are using innovation to solve complex challenges.”
Google’s AI initiatives focus on empowering African entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and organisations to solve complex challenges.
During a recent visit to Nigeria, Brittin said he met with local entrepreneurs and startups, including Towntalk, Farmspeak, and BetaLife, that are using AI to tackle challenges unique to Nigeria.
The Google chief was accompanied by Google’s Head of Africa, Nigerian-born Alex Okosi, as the team explored ways to help scale these businesses using AI.
Brittin noted that AI has a pivotal role to play in developing Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
“For Africa to fulfil its potential as an AI leader, we need to invest in the skills and knowledge base of local talent. That’s why we’ve backed several initiatives to boost AI skills among developers, individuals, and businesses in Nigeria and beyond.
“Our Google Career Certificates are enabling Nigerians to develop work-readiness in skills like AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and programming languages like Python and SQL. Meanwhile, skills-based initiatives like our Hustle Academy provide AI-focused training for small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa,” Brittin said.
Recently, Google announced an additional $$5.8m in funding to support foundational AI and cybersecurity training across these countries.
That includes $1.5m for Data Science Nigeria, which will train unemployed and at-risk Nigerians in foundational digital and technology – while Raspberry Pi will also work with Data Science Nigeria to roll out AI literacy for Kenyan and Nigerian youth.