Nigeria’s federal government has unveiled a forward-looking strategy aiming to contribute $15 billion to the economy by 2030 through investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the country’s growing youth population. The initiative is supported by insights from a recent Google report, which highlights AI’s potential to significantly impact Nigeria’s GDP.
The government’s ambitious plans include addressing the nation’s AI knowledge gap by training 25,000 teachers to educate 125,000 young Nigerians in AI fundamentals. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to develop a robust AI workforce, a key driver of economic transformation observed in other global success stories.
With a N2.8 billion grant from Google to Data Science Nigeria, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will lead AI-driven training programs. Beyond teacher training, the funding will support specialized AI and data science training for 20,000 youth under the ministry’s “3 Million Technical Talents” program.
Nigeria’s young population, with a median age around 18, is seen as a significant advantage in AI development. Communications Minister Bosun Tijani commented, “AI is already here. It offers us a chance to reimagine how we operate, but success requires building a strong local ecosystem.”
The draft National AI Strategy aims to equip 70 percent of the young workforce (ages 16–35) with AI skills, reducing unemployment by five percentage points. This aligns with the National Bureau of Statistics’ third-quarter report of a five percent unemployment rate in 2023. However, a lack of AI-specific resources in Nigerian universities limits workforce readiness, according to a GSMA report.
To bridge this gap, the government plans to introduce AI education at the secondary school level, creating a skills pipeline for tertiary institutions. Tijani stressed the need for teacher training, asserting, “Our responsibility is to ensure the education we provide prepares young Nigerians for the future of work.”
Kaduna State Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe echoed this sentiment, adding, “By equipping our people with AI skills, we are building a foundation for a more prosperous Nigeria.” Data Science Nigeria CEO Bayo Adekanbi underscored the importance of broad AI awareness, stating, “Everyone must be empowered to understand AI’s potential.”
Google’s president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Matt Brittin, affirmed Google’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital future: “With initiatives like these AI training programs, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria.”
A youthful workforce is central to Nigeria’s AI strategy, which could transform the nation’s economic landscape. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that Nigeria will require 28 million digital-skilled jobs by 2030, creating a $130 billion market. While the government remains optimistic, it acknowledges that poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps could challenge this vision.
Supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation is Google’s Equiano subsea fiber-optic cable, launched in Lagos in 2022 to expand internet connectivity. Brittin noted, “Every $1 invested in Africa’s digital economy could yield $2 by 2030, with Nigeria’s return potentially reaching $8.”
Google’s AI initiatives, in partnership with African governments, aim to establish a thriving AI ecosystem that empowers local talent and contributes to global advancements. Brittin underscored that this initiative is about creating an African-led AI success story benefiting Nigeria and the world.
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Olawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.
