NAIROBI, Kenya- In a groundbreaking move, Google is investing $5.8 million (Ksh 748 million) across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa to advance skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
This initiative is part of Google’s push to boost Africa’s digital workforce, with funds channeled through key partners, including Data Scientists Network Foundation, Nelson Mandela University, and Raspberry Pi Foundation.
The goal is to empower a new generation of African talent to build tech solutions tailored to local needs, directly aligning with Google’s ongoing digital skills training in Africa.
Google’s funding strategy focuses on empowering local organizations to equip African youth with skills critical for today’s digital landscape.
Matt Brittin, Google’s President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, underscored the importance of building on the momentum of existing digital training, stating, “If Africans are to benefit from AI, they need to build on it.”
In Nigeria, the Data Scientists Network Foundation will receive $1.5 million to develop a program targeting unemployed youth and vulnerable populations, providing foundational training in digital and tech skills.
The initiative is set to elevate these students to advanced proficiency in data and AI.
In South Africa, Nelson Mandela University will join the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program, leveraging a $500,000 grant to train 200 students and support 250 local organizations in strengthening digital defenses.
These programs represent Google’s commitment to preparing Africa’s workforce for the future.
In Kenya, the Raspberry Pi Foundation will use a $300,000 grant to introduce AI literacy programs through partnerships with organizations such as Young Scientists Kenya.
This initiative aims to educate Kenyan and Nigerian youth on AI fundamentals, positioning them for active roles in the evolving digital economy.
As smartphone usage soars across Africa, Brittin emphasized the importance of affordable Android devices, adding, “AI can accelerate Africa and Africans because we’re seeing almost half of the continent connect for the first time.”
With research centers in Nairobi and Accra, Google has strategically positioned itself to develop Africa-centric products. The tech giant estimates AI could contribute $30 billion to sub-Saharan Africa’s economy, highlighting the region’s potential as a thriving technology hub.
In addition to the new investment, Google announced expanded language options for African users on its platforms.
Voice Search, Gboard, and Google Translate will now support 15 additional African languages, including Kikuyu, Kiswahili, Yoruba, and Igbo, among others.
This brings the total number of African languages available to 25, creating more accessible digital experiences for over 300 million people across the continent.
Google Africa’s Managing Director Alex Okosi highlighted the impact: “This technology enables more Africans to interact with the web using just their voice,” a game-changer in a region where voice-based interaction can help overcome literacy barriers.
Google’s investment in AI and cybersecurity training aligns with a larger mission to ensure that African voices shape the continent’s technological landscape.
With substantial funding and local partnerships, Google is working to create a digitally inclusive Africa, preparing youth with essential skills to drive innovation.By combining capacity-building with expanded language support, Google is amplifying Africa’s role in the digital economy.