Google has launched a free digital and artificial intelligence (AI) learning platform targeting three million Africans, including Nigerians, for skills development by 2030.
The initiative, known as Skilling Africa with Google, brings together more than 15 training programmes in a single learning hub, with an initial target of graduating 250,000 learners by the end of 2026.
The platform offers training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, digital marketing and business development, targeting students, job seekers, entrepreneurs and developers.
Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi, said the initiative was designed to strengthen the continent’s capacity to participate in the emerging AI economy.
He said Africa had significant opportunities to shape the future of AI but needed skilled people capable of developing, using and innovating with the technology.
Google estimates that more than 90 per cent of employers across Africa struggle to find workers with practical AI and cloud computing skills, despite the continent’s projected $2.9 trillion economic opportunity from AI.
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The company said the initiative builds on its previous digital training programmes, which have reached more than seven million young Africans.
To address barriers to online learning, the platform allows users to download lessons over Wi-Fi and study offline. It is also designed to work on smartphones and laptops, including devices operating on low-bandwidth connections.
The learning hub features an AI-powered study assistant, SCOUT, which helps users understand concepts, ask questions, and organise their learning schedules. Participants can also track progress through visual skill trees and earn verifiable badges after completing courses.
Google is expanding language access, with Hausa among the African languages being added to existing English, Swahili and Arabic options.
The platform also includes Google Career Certificates in areas such as data analytics, IT support and cybersecurity, alongside Hustle Academy for small business owners and Google Cloud Skills for technology professionals.
In Nigeria, the initiative complements the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, coordinated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which focuses on developing technical skills in areas including AI, software development, cybersecurity and data science.
However, the broader impact of the initiative will depend on how effectively learners translate their training into employment, entrepreneurship and improved productivity across sectors.
