On Wednesday, Google announced that it had stepped up its commitment to closing the skills gap on the continent by launching the artificial intelligence Skilling Blueprint for Africa.
In a statement made available in Lagos, Nigeria, the organization said that the Blueprint was a comprehensive policy roadmap to help governments build a future-proof, AI-ready workforce.
The blueprint, it said, focused on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, AI Implementers, and AI Innovators.
The organization noted that the launch was part of a broader set of Africa-focused initiatives, which included a $2.25 million commitment to fund expert organizations building trustworthy public data sets for AI.
It said that organizations are building public data sets in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and PARIS21 to modernize national statistical infrastructure.
“New organizations 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.
Google noted that, with Africa’s immense potential for AI-driven economic growth and 55% of firms reporting a need for AI talent, these initiatives provide a clear roadmap and essential investment to unlock the continent’s opportunities.
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 organizations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”
According to the organization, the AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa provides governments with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to formulate national skilling strategies.
It said that the blueprint focused on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, who will gain foundational AI literacy; AI Implementers, professionals’ upskilled to integrate AI tools into their work.
The third cohort consists of AI Innovators, deep technical experts dedicated to building the next generation of AI solutions.
Google stressed that its $2.25 million contribution to organisations would help national statistical offices modernise their infrastructure and empower decision-makers with reliable data.
It explained that the data are needed to address challenges from food security to economic growth.
“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,” said Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
Google further announced that FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) are among the first set of expert social impact organisations to receive funding to execute on projects consistent with its skilling mission.
It said the funding from its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund commitment would enable the two organisations to embed advanced AI curricula into universities.
Google added that two other expert social impact organisations, JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation, would advance crucial work in online safety and digital literacy.
“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,” it stated.
Responding, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director, 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.”
Simi Nwogugu, president and CEO, Junior Achievement Africa, said, “We live in an age defined by rapid technological change, and our mission at JA Africa is to ensure that African youth are not left behind.
“However, even as we engage our youth in more digital programs and encourage AI literacy, we are fully aware of the harmful effects of unchecked online exposure and, therefore, invest equally in protecting their data, physical safety, and mental wellbeing.
“Through this support from Google.org, we will give young people the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.”
(Peoples Gazette)
