GOOGLE has announced a significant new investment of $5.8 million to develop AI and cybersecurity skills across Africa, focusing on South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya as primary beneficiaries. The tech giant’s latest commitment builds on its growing impact on South Africa’s digital economy, which, according to Google, generated an estimated R118bn ($6.136bn) in economic activity in 2023 alone.
This funding initiative aims to empower individuals across various sectors by providing essential AI and cybersecurity training. It will offer foundational skills for workers, teach teenagers about responsible AI usage, and equip nonprofit and public sector leaders with the knowledge needed to harness AI effectively. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela University stands out as a key beneficiary, receiving R9.5 million through the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars programme.
Empowering the workforce for a digital future
‘AI could contribute $30bn to the economy of sub-Saharan Africa,’ said Matt Brittin, Google’s President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), during his recent visit to Nairobi. ‘But for this to be a meaningful change, everyone needs to be included.’ Brittin emphasised that the $5.8 million investment would help individuals, businesses, and nonprofits across Africa participate fully in the digital economy, harnessing technology to drive social good.
A recent report from Public First highlights Google’s role in transforming South Africa’s digital landscape. In 2023, around 300,000 young South Africans acquired new digital skills through Google Search, contributing to an estimated R5 billion increase in productivity. This new generation of digitally skilled individuals is poised to play a crucial role in South Africa’s expanding digital economy, reinforcing Google’s impact on the country’s economic growth.
A broader vision for Africa’s digital future
Google’s involvement in Africa’s digital ecosystem is long-standing. Since establishing its first office in sub-Saharan Africa in 2007, the company has worked closely with governments, policymakers, and educational institutions across the continent. ‘Digital skilling and access has been a key part of that work,’ said Alex Okosi, Google Africa’s Nigerian-born Managing Director. ‘We’ve enabled hundreds of millions of Africans to access the internet for the first time and empowered millions of businesses and creators with digital tools.’
With approximately 716,000 professional developers across Africa, half of whom have been part of Google programmes, Google’s latest investment solidifies its position as a driver of digital innovation in the region. The new funding initiative builds on a previous $20 million commitment to organisations supporting digital skills development across Africa, reaffirming Google’s dedication to driving economic growth and digital transformation on the continent.
Economic impact and opportunities
Beyond skills development, Google’s investment addresses the growing demand for digital infrastructure in Africa, where enhanced connectivity is closely tied to economic performance. Public First’s report noted that a 1 percent increase in digital connectivity correlates with a 5.7 percent GDP increase, underscoring the economic significance of expanded digital access.
Google’s new initiative supports a digital future where AI and cybersecurity skills are foundational for both economic growth and personal empowerment. By investing in skills training, Google aims to enable African workers, young people, and public sector leaders to participate in a safer, more inclusive digital economy. As Google continues to back Africa’s tech landscape, this commitment reflects a broader ambition to bridge digital divides and unlock economic opportunities across the continent.
