Google has strengthened its drive to close Africa’s digital skills gap with the launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling Blueprint for Africa, a policy roadmap aimed at helping governments develop an AI-ready workforce.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria, the company described the Blueprint as a comprehensive guide designed to support countries in preparing citizens for the future of work. It focuses on nurturing three key groups: AI Learners, AI Implementers and AI Innovators.
According to Google, the initiative forms part of a wider suite of Africa-focused programmes, including a $2.25 million investment to support expert organisations creating trustworthy public data sets for AI. These organisations are working alongside the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and PARIS21 to modernise national statistical systems.
“New organisations like FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) are receiving support from the $7.5M Google.org Skilling Fund to embed advanced AI curricula into universities across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa,” Google said.
The company stressed that Africa stands at a pivotal moment, with 55 per cent of firms reporting an urgent need for AI talent. It added that its initiatives offer governments both the investment and the strategic direction required to harness the continent’s economic potential.
Doron Avni, Google’s Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy, said: “Africa’s AI moment is now, and Google is committed to being a partner for the long haul. The AI Skilling Blueprint provides a clear roadmap for governments to build the workforce of the future.
“By also investing in AI-ready data and expert local organisations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”
Google explained that the Blueprint equips governments with a step-by-step strategy to develop national AI skilling programmes. It categorises beneficiaries into AI Learners, who gain foundational knowledge; AI Implementers, who integrate AI tools into their professional work; and AI Innovators, deep technical specialists focused on developing next-generation AI solutions.
The company added that its $2.25 million support for data-focused organisations will help national statistical offices modernise their systems and provide decision-makers with reliable, AI-ready data essential for tackling challenges such as food security and economic resilience.
Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, highlighted the importance of accessible and reliable data. “For Africa to drive sustainable development, evidence-based policymaking is indispensable. This requires accessible, reliable, and AI-ready data. This effort is a crucial step forward. By building a Regional Data Commons, we can empower African institutions with the data and tools they need to make strategic choices that will drive growth and prosperity,” he said.
Google also announced that FATE Foundation and AIMS are among the first social impact organisations awarded funding from the $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund to advance projects aligned with its AI training mission. The funding will enable the introduction of advanced AI programmes in universities.
In addition, JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation will receive support to further work in digital literacy and online safety.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the African Institute of Management Sciences on the Advanced AI UpSkilling Project, with support from Google.org. This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to the urgent need for deep AI competencies in Africa, empowering tertiary institutions, lecturers, and students in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa,” the organisation stated.
Responding, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, said: “This strategic support aligns perfectly with FATE Foundation’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable economic growth across the continent, ensuring Africa is fully equipped to lead in the global technological future.”
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