Nigeria to deploy AI to boost economy, secures N2.8bn grant from Google - Ripples Nigeria
Connect with us

Business

Nigeria to deploy AI to boost economy, secures N2.8bn grant from Google

Published

on

The Federal Government has declared its readiness to deploy Artificial Technology (AI) to improve the country’s economy.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the government has secured N2.8 billion grant from search engine giant, Google to boost AI talent development in the country.

Tijani said the government would focus on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth through AI.

He said: “Artificial intelligence is a sure tool that can create value for the country itself. AI is already here and we must create a strong ecosystem locally.”

“I am a strong believer that the development we desire in Nigeria will not just come from the government. Government can set the agenda but it is the ecosystem that a programme like this that Google has mentioned that will truly ensure we build the economy that we want to see.”

On his part, Matt Brittin, president, Google EMEA, said the grant will be implemented in Nigeria through the government’s ongoing three million technical talents (3MTT) programme with a focus on 20,000 Nigerians with AI skills.

READ ALSO: Nigerian govt, Google ban digital loan apps from accessing contacts, photos of customers

The 3MTT, launched on October 13, is a four-year programme aimed at training Nigerians and building the country’s technical talent backbone to power the digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter.

Brittin added that through the scheme, 125,000 educators will be trained and 10 promising Nigerian AI startups will be empowered with N100 million.

“I am pleased to announce that Google.org is providing N2.8 billion (or approximately $1.7 million) in funding to the Data Scientists Network Foundation, supporting the honourable minister’s vision for AI growth in Nigeria,” Brittin said.

“This funding will be directed toward critical initiatives that advance AI skills and opportunities across the country.

“Through this grant, we’re supporting the FMCIDE’s 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, with a focus on equipping 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced skills in AI and data science.

“Additionally, the Experience AI Program, developed with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, will train 25,000 educators to inspire and educate 125,000 young learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.

“Finally, the AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is providing 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million in funding, alongside up to $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credits, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical support.”

Brittin said BetaLife Health, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Energy, SaaSPro Health, Towntalk and Trade Lenda, are the 10 startups selected for the AI fund.

By: Babajide Okeowo

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now

Exit mobile version