Nigeria Secures N2.8bn from Google to Advance AI Improvement
The federal authorities has secured N2.8 billion grant from Google to spice up synthetic intelligence (AI) expertise growth within the nation.
Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, improvements and digital financial system, introduced the partnership at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
The assist comes one month after the federal government partnered with Google to launch a N100 million AI fund initiative in Nigeria.
Tijani stated the fund is a part of Google’s $5.8 million dedication to assist digital expertise programmes throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
He stated the fund will assist shut the unemployment hole and financial hardship Nigerians face.
“This assist from Google is a testomony to our dedication to positioning Nigeria as a pacesetter in AI innovation,” the minister stated.
“By leveraging Google’s experience and assets, we’re creating alternatives to equip Nigerians with the talents they should thrive within the world digital financial system.
“It is a main step ahead in our journey in the direction of a extra inclusive and revolutionary future for all Nigerians.”
Tijani: “This assist from Google is a testomony to our dedication to positioning Nigeria as a pacesetter in AI innovation.”
Tijani stated specializing in sectors reminiscent of healthcare, agriculture, training, and governance, the chosen startups will play a vital position in addressing native challenges and driving sustainable financial progress by way of AI.
“Synthetic intelligence is a certain instrument that may create worth for the nation itself. AI is already right here and we should create a robust ecosystem domestically,” he stated.
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“I’m a robust believer that the event we want in Nigeria is not going to simply come from the federal government. Authorities can set the agenda however it’s the ecosystem {that a} programme like this that Google has talked about that can really guarantee we construct the financial system that we wish to see.”
On his half, Matt Brittin, president, Google EMEA, stated the grant can be carried out in Nigeria by way of the federal government’s ongoing three million technical abilities (3MTT) programme with a give attention to 20,000 Nigerians with AI expertise.
The 3MTT, launched on October 13, is a four-year programme aimed toward coaching Nigerians and constructing the nation’s technical expertise spine to energy the digital financial system and place Nigeria as a internet expertise exporter.
Brittin added that by way of the scheme, 125,000 educators can be educated and 10 promising Nigerian AI startups can be empowered with N100 million.
“I’m happy to announce that Google.org is offering N2.8 billion (or roughly $1.7 million) in funding to the Information Scientists Community Basis, supporting the honourable minister’s imaginative and prescient for AI progress in Nigeria,” Brittin stated.
“This funding can be directed towards essential initiatives that advance AI expertise and alternatives throughout the nation.
“Via this grant, we’re supporting the FMCIDE’s 3 Million Technical Skills (3MTT) program, with a give attention to equipping 20,000 younger Nigerians with superior expertise in AI and knowledge science.
“Moreover, the Expertise AI Program, developed with the Raspberry Pi Basis, will prepare 25,000 educators to encourage and educate 125,000 younger learners, introducing them to AI fundamentals.
“Lastly, the AI Fund, created in collaboration with NCAIR, is offering 10 promising Nigerian AI startups with N100 million in funding, alongside as much as $3.5 million in Google Cloud Credit, mentorship from Google engineers, and technical assist.”
Brittin stated BetaLife Well being, Bunce, CDIAL AI, Farmspeak, Lendsqr, ProDevs, Rana Vitality, SaaSPro Well being, Towntalk and Commerce Lenda, are the ten startups chosen for the AI fund.