NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a fresh move to empower the digital landscape of Africa, Google has revealed a new investment totaling $5.8 million via its Google.org initiative. This investment is specifically targeted at enhancing training in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. This investment is part of Google’s ongoing dedication to fostering Africa’s digital evolution, following a massive $1 billion commitment made back in 2021 to boost connectivity, foster startups, and expand access to digital knowledge.
Aligning with efforts to make the internet more welcoming for African users, Google recently broadened its offerings, bringing Voice Search, Gboard’s talk-to-type, and Translate dictation to 15 more African languages. Languages such as Somali, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Swati now have Google’s support, opening the digital gateway for around 300 million potential new users. By harnessing the power of multilingual AI speech recognition, users can now surf the web in their native tongues simply by talking.
The funding is set to bolster nonprofit organizations and educational entities, emphasizing essential AI and cybersecurity skills necessary for thriving in today’s tech-centric world. Among the key recipients is Nigeria’s Data Scientists Network Foundation, slated to receive $1.5 million. This allocation aims to provide unemployed and at-risk youth with training in data science and foundational AI, equipping them for new tech-driven career paths.
In South Africa, Nelson Mandela University will become a part of Google’s Cybersecurity Seminars program, backed with $500,000, to offer hands-on training in cybersecurity to 200 students and reinforce digital security measures for 250 local organizations. Additionally, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, with a $300,000 grant, is set to partner with Young Scientists Kenya and the Data Scientists Network Foundation to educate Kenyan and Nigerian youths on AI frameworks, ethics, and practical uses.
Jen Carter, who leads Tech and Volunteering at Google.org, underscored the immense capacity of AI to drive social change. “AI can supercharge the efforts of organizations addressing local issues, and this funding allows them to develop tools that will have a positive impact on communities within Africa and elsewhere,” remarked Carter.
This fresh financial injection is a stone in Google’s broader African strategy, stepping hand in hand with significant infrastructure projects like the Equiano subsea fiber-optic cable, which aims to drive down costs and enhance internet access.
Alex Okosi, Managing Director for Google Africa, spotlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to Africa’s development: “We’ve empowered millions with internet and digital tools access, paving the way for young innovators and creators to fuel advancements across the continent.”
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
