Google is amplifying its commitment to AI training in sub-Saharan Africa with a new investment of $5.8 million aimed at equipping the workforce with essential AI skills.
Emphasising the potential of Africa’s AI ecosystem, Google said it is committed to supporting this innovation through ongoing investments in research and development, infrastructure, and partnerships.
This funding will enable programs that assist individuals in various sectors in learning to utilize AI tools and incorporating AI into their work, thereby preparing them for a future driven by artificial intelligence.
The investment will support initiatives focused on AI safety and ethics for teenagers, AI training for leaders of nonprofit organizations, and skills development in the public sector.
Highlighting the promise of Africa’s AI ecosystem, Google expressed its dedication to fostering this innovation by continuing to invest in research and development, infrastructure, and collaborations.
“Our Google Research Africa centres in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, are hubs for extensive AI research, focused on developing innovative solutions for African challenges and contributing to global advancements in AI. The team is working on focused projects like Open Buildings, which uses AI to identify and map buildings across Africa, providing crucial data for urban planning, disaster relief, and understanding socio-economic development.”
To foster regional innovation, Google is enhancing its research and development initiatives in Africa. The newly established Product Development Center in Nairobi is also working on solutions tailored for African markets, such as voice-enabled technology for local languages and a low-bandwidth HTML5 gaming platform.
Google’s partnerships play a crucial role in expanding these efforts. The company collaborates with governments, nonprofits, and private entities to maximize the impact of AI across diverse communities.
In Nigeria, Google is teaming up with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to develop technical skills for three million individuals. This partnership involves funding educational initiatives that introduce AI concepts to young Nigerians, as well as supporting AI startups through an equity-free accelerator fund.
This $5.8 million initiative is part of Google’s broader $1 billion commitment made in 2021 to enhance Africa’s digital landscape. This investment also bolsters the Equiano cable, which has been improving internet speed and reliability throughout the region. Through these endeavors, Google continues to foster digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation across Africa. AI
