Wednesday October 30, 2024
Google's $5.8 million initiative supports AI and cybersecurity training across Africa, empowering youth and advancing the continent's digital future. CREDIT / Google.
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Google has announced a new $5.8 million investment through its Google.org initiative, aimed at bolstering artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity training across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The latest funding builds on Google's commitment to Africa's digital transformation, following a $1 billion pledge in 2021 to advance connectivity, support startups, and improve access to digital skills.
The latest funding coincides with Google’s push to make the web more accessible for African users. Google announced this week that it expanded Voice Search, Gboard talk-to-type, and Translate dictation to support 15 additional African languages, including Somali, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Swati, reaching approximately 300 million new users. Leveraging advances in multilingual AI speech recognition, these features now allow users to interact with the web using their voices in their native languages.
The investment will support non-profit organizations and educational institutions, focusing on building foundational AI and cybersecurity skills essential for a digital-first economy. Among the primary beneficiaries is the Data Scientists Network Foundation in Nigeria, which will receive $1.5 million to train unemployed and at-risk youth in data science and introductory AI, creating pathways to new tech-based career opportunities.
South Africa's Nelson Mandela University will join Google's Cybersecurity Seminars program with $500,000 in funding, providing hands-on cybersecurity training to 200 students while strengthening digital security practices for 250 local organizations. Meanwhile, the Raspberry Pi Foundation, awarded $300,000, will collaborate with Young Scientists Kenya and the Data Scientists Network Foundation to educate Kenyan and Nigerian youth on AI principles, ethics, and practical applications.
Jen Carter, Head of Tech and Volunteering at Google.org, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in driving social impact. "AI can accelerate the work of organizations tackling local challenges, and this funding enables them to create tools that will benefit communities across Africa and beyond," Carter said.
This latest investment is part of Google's strategy for Africa, which includes major infrastructure projects like the Equiano subsea cable, designed to enhance internet access and reduce costs.
Google Africa Managing Director Alex Okosi highlighted the company's commitment to Africa's growth: "We've helped millions gain access to the internet and digital tools, enabling young entrepreneurs and creators to drive innovation across the region."