Nigeria and Google are expanding their partnership to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital education.

On July 25, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Google reaffirmed their commitment to making Nigeria a regional leader in AI and cybersecurity. NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa met with Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy (Cloud), Marcus Jadotte, during a series of strategic meetings in Abuja.

The discussions zeroed in on four key areas: integrating AI into public services, digitising the education system, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and driving local innovation. Google pledged to support Nigeria’s push to modernise public institutions by expanding cloud infrastructure and cutting tech costs.

These talks followed Google’s recent announcement of a $37 million investment to boost AI development in Africa. The funding will support research, training, infrastructure, and the design of AI solutions tailored to African contexts. As part of this expansion, Google recently opened an AI community centre in Accra, Ghana, underlining its commitment to long-term presence in sub-Saharan Africa.

The timing of this renewed partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital ambitions. The government is intensifying efforts to build a resilient digital ecosystem, anchored by its “3MTT” (Three Million Technical Talent) programme. The initiative aims to train millions of young Nigerians in future-proof digital skills, with AI as a central pillar.

Google’s collaboration could play a critical role in scaling local talent, boosting innovation, and generating homegrown solutions for Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum