Nigeria is actively exploring a collaboration with Google to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and digital transformation.
This initiative aims to enhance the country’s technological capabilities and position it as a key player in the global AI landscape.
President Bola Tinubu revealed this during a meeting with Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, in Paris, France.
Key Areas of Partnership
Tinubu outlined the focus areas of this potential collaboration, stating: “We are exploring partnership opportunities with Google, which will focus on five key areas: enhancing scalable cloud infrastructure, equipping our workforce with essential skills for the future, promoting AI innovation and research, driving cloud adoption, and elevating Nigeria’s standing in the global tech landscape as a hub for innovation and AI transition.”
Nigeria’s AI Prospects
The president highlighted the country’s growing AI ecosystem, citing ‘Silas Adekunle’s Awarri’, a startup working on AI software infrastructure tailored to Nigeria’s cultural and societal needs.
He emphasized that many AI models have yet to fully explore the arts and culture segment, presenting an opportunity for Nigeria to lead in this space.
Google’s Commitment to Nigeria
Sundar Pichai acknowledged Nigeria’s AI potential and expressed Google’s interest in strengthening collaboration.
“We talked about the immense potential of AI in Nigeria, and how we can partner to expand AI skills, enable innovation, and support Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem,” Pichai said.
Nigeria’s AI Strategy and Regulation
Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, stressed the need for the country to take a proactive role in AI development and regulation.
“In a short while, there will be a convergence of AI systems, so Nigeria should be part of that global superpower in the development and regulation of AI,” Tijani stated.
