Google is deepening its commitment to Africa’s digital transformation with a $5.8 million investment in AI skilling initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. This funding will support organizations working to equip individuals, businesses, and communities with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered world.
The announcement, made by Matt Brittin, President of Google Europe, Middle East and Africa, during his visit to Nigeria and Kenya, highlights Google’s focus on fostering a deeper understanding of AI across society. The company aims to ensure that everyone can participate in and benefit from the opportunities presented by this technological revolution.
“The next decade is set to be Sub-Saharan Africa’s digital decade — with emerging technologies set to significantly accelerate the continent’s development,” Brittin stated in a blog post. “The opportunity is huge, but it can only be realized when everyone is included.”
This investment builds on Google’s existing efforts to promote digital literacy and skills development in Africa. In 2023 alone, Grow with Google trained over 6.5 million people across the continent in digital skills. This new initiative focuses specifically on AI, recognizing its transformative potential and the need to equip Africans with the necessary skills to harness its power.
The funding will support a range of programs, including:
- Training for workers and students: Equipping individuals with foundational AI and cybersecurity skills to prepare them for the future of work.
- Support for non-profit leaders and the public sector: Providing foundational AI skills to enable these sectors to leverage AI for social good.
- AI literacy for youth: Collaborating with organizations like the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Data Scientists Network Foundation to roll out AI education programs for young people in Kenya and Nigeria.
Google’s commitment to Africa’s digital future extends beyond AI skilling. The company also announced the expansion of its voice technology to include 15 more African languages across Google Search, Gboard, and Google Translate. This will enable millions more Africans to interact with the web and communicate using their voices, further promoting digital inclusion.
Google’s investments in AI skilling and voice technology demonstrate its dedication to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. By empowering individuals and communities with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital age, Google is contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for Africa.
“Google is focused on supporting the continent to unlock the benefits of the digital economy to everyone,” Brittin affirmed. “I’m excited to see how these commitments further that — enabling more people to learn digital skills and surf the web in the way that comes most naturally to them.”
