This week, Google announced the AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa, a comprehensive policy roadmap designed to help governments build a future-proof workforce.
The launch is the centerpiece of a broader set of Africa-focused AI initiatives announced today to accelerate innovation and close the continent’s critical skills gap.
The announcements come as Africa stands at a pivotal moment. The continent, home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, shows immense potential for AI-driven economic growth.
However, new research highlights a significant challenge: while optimism for AI is exceptionally high, reaching 95% in Nigeria and 76% in South Africa, 55% of firms across the continent report needing AI talent more than financing. Closing this skills gap is key to unlocking Africa’s opportunity.
“Africa’s AI moment is now, and Google is committed to being a partner for the long haul,” said Doron Avni, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy. “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 organisations and partners, we are helping build the interconnected ecosystem needed for a prosperous, AI-driven future for the continent.”
A Policy Roadmap to Build an AI-Ready Workforce
The Google AI Skilling Blueprint for Africa provides governments with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to formulate national skilling strategies.
This blueprint focuses on developing three critical cohorts: AI Learners, who will gain foundational AI literacy; AI Implementers, professionals upskilled to integrate AI tools into their work; and AI Innovators, deep technical experts dedicated to building the next generation of AI solutions.
New Commitments to Data Infrastructure and Skilling Organisations
As part of its broader initiatives, Google also announced $2.25 million to support projects building trustworthy public data sets for AI by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and PARIS21.
This contribution will help national statistical offices modernize their infrastructure and empower decision-makers with the reliable data they need 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,” said Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. “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.”
Finally, building on its $7.5 million Google.org Skilling Fund commitment, Google announced the first set of expert social impact organizations who will receive funding to execute on projects consistent with its skilling mission, including: FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which will embed advanced AI curricula into universities; and JA Africa and CyberSafe Foundation, which will 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. 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.” – Adenike Adeyemi, executive director, FATE Foundation
“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,” said Simi Nwogugu, President & CEO, JA Africa.
“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.”