Google Unveils AI Skilling Blueprint to Close Africa’s Talent Gap, Announces $2.25m Data Investment
Google has launched a sweeping initiative to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) capacity across Africa, unveiling an AI Skilling Blueprint for governments and committing new investments in public data infrastructure and digital education.
Announced on Wednesday, the AI Skilling Blueprint provides a policy framework to help African countries build national AI talent pipelines. Google says the blueprint targets three groups — AI learners, implementers, and innovators — to ensure widespread literacy as well as advanced technical expertise.
“Africa’s AI moment is now,” said Doron Avni, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy. “This blueprint gives governments a clear roadmap to build the workforce of the future.”
Google also announced $2.25 million to support the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), UN DESA and PARIS21 to develop AI-ready public datasets. The funding will help African statistical offices modernise data systems for evidence-based policymaking.
UNECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete said the initiative would strengthen the continent’s data foundations. “Evidence-based policymaking is indispensable. AI-ready data allows African institutions to make strategic choices that drive prosperity.”
As part of a broader digital skills push, Google also revealed the first beneficiaries of its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund, including FATE Foundation, AIMS, JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation. The organisations will expand advanced AI training, university curricula and digital literacy programmes across Africa.
FATE Foundation Executive Director Adenike Adeyemi said the partnership responds directly to the urgent demand for deep AI expertise. “This will empower lecturers and students across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa,” she said.
