Google has revealed a huge new investment of USD 5.08 million to develop cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) skills throughout Africa, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya among the main recipients.
Google has already had a major impact on South Africa’s digital economy, which it estimates generated R118 billion in economic activity in 2023 alone. This latest commitment builds on that impact.
The new funding initiative intends to teach teens about safe AI usage, provide workers with basic AI and cybersecurity skills, and assist public sector officials and nonprofit leaders in building AI capabilities.
The Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars programme, which includes 9.5 million rand in grant support, is expected to have a major positive impact on South African institutions, including Nelson Mandela University.
“AI could contribute USD 30 billion to the economy of sub-Saharan Africa. But for this to be a meaningful change, everyone needs to be included,” Matt Brittin, president of Google EMEA, during his visit to Nairobi said.
Demonstrated Impact
The announcement follows a Public First report that highlighted Google’s significant role in South Africa’s digital transformation.
Notably, an estimated 300,000 young adults in South Africa gained new digital skills through Google Search in 2023 alone, which is estimated to have increased productivity by R5 billion.
These individuals embody a new generation of South Africans who are empowered by technology and capable of driving the nation’s expanding digital economy.
A 1% increase in connectivity was linked to a 5.7% increase in GDP, according to the report, which also discussed the effects of investing in digital infrastructure.
Continental Growth Strategy
“Ever since the opening of Google’s first office in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2007, we’ve been a partner in Africa’s economic and digital transformation: working hand in hand with governments, policymakers, educational bodies and entrepreneurs,” Nigerian-born MD of Google Africa, Alex Okosi said.
With almost 716,000 professional developers in Africa, half of whom have taken part in the Google programme, the company’s most recent investment solidifies its standing as a major force behind digital innovation and economic expansion in the region.