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Leading global tech company, <a href="https://about.google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google</a> has announced a $5.8 million investment fund to boost artificial intelligence (AI) skill initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the tech giant, the goal is to empower people across Africa with the skills needed to thrive in a digitally powered world. 
While stressing the potential of Africa’s AI ecosystem, the company pointed out that it is committed to supporting this innovation through investments in research and development, infrastructure, and partnerships. 
Google also said it aims to foster a deeper understanding of the system across society. This, according to the company, ensures everyone can participate and benefit from the technological revolution. 
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“Our Google Research Africa centres in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, are hubs for extensive AI research, focused on developing innovative solutions for African challenges and contributing to global advancements in AI,” Google said. 
<h4 id="google-eyes-various-projects-with-new-fund" class="wp-block-heading">Google eyes various projects with new fund</h4> 
In its aim to foster the development of Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technology in Africa, Google is set to embark on various projects to be financed by its new fund 
“The team is working on focused projects like Open Buildings, which uses AI to identify and map buildings across Africa, providing crucial data for urban planning, disaster relief, and understanding socio-economic development.&nbsp;We’re also thrilled about the work being done at our newly opened Product Development Center in Nairobi, Kenya,” a statement from the company reads. 
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Google also notified that it aimed at constructing tech products and designs that are made for Africans. “This center is dedicated to building products and features specifically for the African market, including advancements in voice search and typing for African languages, and innovative products like the HTML5 gaming platform which has already reached 1 million daily active users and is designed to work seamlessly on low-bandwidth devices,” the company said on Monday. 
Furthermore, the tech giant disclosed that the $5.8 million investment would be introduced to enhance programs that help workers use essential AI skills. It emphasized that such programs will empower people across different sectors with the knowledge to effectively use AI tools and technologies. 
As part of the investment plan, the company listed other areas of the $5.8 million project. Educating young ones about AI safety and ethics, equipping non-profit leaders with foundational AI skills, and also supporting the public sector with AI skilling. 
Google likewise stated that the AI investment will enable governments to develop and implement AI-powered solutions for public services and policymaking. 
<h4 id="support-for-nigeria" class="wp-block-heading">Support for Nigeria</h4> 
Google pointed out that it recognizes its inability to achieve the vision for Africa’s AI future alone. This brought about the company’s commitment to partnering with governments, non-profits, educational institutions, and the private sector to create an inclusive and thriving AI ecosystem. 
In Nigeria, Google said it is supporting the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to advance AI talent development by equipping Nigerians with essential AI skills. 
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The company pointed out its contribution to the government’s 3 million technical talents (3MTT) program. The program is channelled at investing in educational programs that introduce AI to teenagers and backing an equity-free accelerator fund to empower Nigerian AI startups. 
Google added that it will be equipping Nigeria’s policymakers with the knowledge and skills to navigate AI and develop responsible AI policies. 
<h4 id="google-equiano-fiber-optic-investment-in-africa-nigeria" class="wp-block-heading">Google: Equiano fiber-optic investment in Africa, Nigeria</h4> 
In 2021, Google <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/05/a-year-in-review-of-googles-1b-commitment-to-support-africas-digital-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a> a commitment of $1 billion to accelerate Africa’s digital economy. This focused on improving internet access, supporting local entrepreneurs and private startups, and fostering innovative techniques. 
As part of that investment, in 2022, Google’s Equiano fibre-optic cable <a href="https://www.submarinenetworks.com/en/systems/euro-africa/equiano/equiano-subsea-cable-lands-in-lagos-nigeria" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landed</a> in Nigeria, connecting western Africa to Europe. 
The Equiano cable, which starts in Portugal, runs more than 12,000km along the West Coast of Africa and initially lands in Lomé, Togo; Lagos, Nigeria; Swakopmund, Namibia and South Africa. This establishes a valuable new high-capacity connection between the African continent and Europe. 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1195" height="817" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/equiano-cable-lands-in-nigeria-wiocc.jpg" alt="The Launch of Equiano Cable in Lagos, Nigeria" class="wp-image-238400">
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 The launch of Equiano Cable in Lagos, Nigeria
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With around 20 times more network capacity than the last cable built to serve the region, Equiano is projected to bring an internet penetration increase of 7% in Nigeria by 2025, making internet access faster, more reliable, and more affordable. 
All around, Google’s investment is also powering several Google-funded skills programs tailored to young people and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. 
<a href="https://technext24.com/2024/10/24/prudential-generative-ai-claims-google/">Also Read: Prudential to use Generative AI for frictionless claims, in partnership with Google Cloud</a>
The post <a href="https://technext24.com/2024/10/28/google-launches-5-8-million-ai-fund/">Google launches $5.8 million fund to boost AI skills across Sub-Saharan Africa</a> first appeared on <a href="https://technext24.com">Technext</a>.

Google launches $5.8 million fund to boost AI skills across Sub-Saharan Africa

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