Nigeria is set to revolutionize its technological landscape through a groundbreaking partnership with Google. This was announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after a meeting with Google CEO Sundar Pichai in Paris, France.
According to President Tinubu’s official X account, this strategic collaboration aims to advance Nigeria’s role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, positioning the country as a global technology hub.
Key Areas of the Partnership
The partnership will focus on five key areas:
- Enhancing scalable cloud infrastructure
- Equipping the workforce with essential skills for the future
- Promoting AI innovation and research
- Driving cloud adoption
- Elevating Nigeria’s standing in the global tech landscape
These initiatives will empower businesses, create new opportunities, and establish Nigeria as a major force in the global digital economy.
Aligning with Nigeria’s Digital Agenda
President Tinubu emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through industrialization, digitization, and innovation. He also highlighted Nigeria’s emerging AI ecosystem, citing Awarri Technologies as a notable player in the sector.
The government is collaborating with Awarri to develop critical AI software infrastructure tailored to Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic needs. This includes data capture platforms and a large language model (LLM) for Nigerian languages, developed in partnership with the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR).
Government Oversight and Implementation
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will provide strategic oversight, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will lead the implementation of this collaboration.
President Tinubu expressed optimism about the partnership, stating:
“Nigeria is poised to take the lead in AI and technology—this is merely the start of an exciting journey!”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai also commented on the meeting, highlighting the immense potential of AI in Nigeria and reaffirming Google’s commitment to expanding AI skills, enabling innovation, and supporting Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
Commitment to Digital Transformation
This partnership represents a significant step toward achieving Nigeria’s digital transformation goals. With Google’s expertise and support, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leader in AI and technology, driving innovation, economic growth, and development.
In recent months, President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing Nigeria’s tech sector. Initiatives such as the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling program aim to train 20,000 young Nigerians in advanced technical skills, including data science and AI.
Additionally, the government has approved the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Trust, which will consist of 10 AI experts and two ministers. The trust aims to promote AI development, ensuring responsible use of technology for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Nigeria’s Future as a Global Tech Hub
As Nigeria advances in its digital transformation journey, the partnership with Google is expected to have a profound impact on the country’s tech landscape. With Google’s support, Nigeria is poised to become a global hub for innovation and technology, accelerating economic growth and development.
