The programme targets hospitals, schools, non-profits, helplines, media organisations and other institutions that provide essential services but lack the resources to defend against growing cyber threats. 

The initiative will begin in Nigeria and Kenya, before launching in Ghana and South Africa later this year, covering 200 organisations in its first phase.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of Cybersafe Foundation, Confidence Staveley, said the project was designed to close the gap between awareness of cyber risks and real action.

“What happens is that the conversation drops off where it gets to the point of taking action,” she said. “One of the major reasons we’ve seen with that is not just the lack of will, it’s also the lack of financial budgets to cover the cost.”

She explained that Resilio Africa will provide more than 10,000 hours of cybersecurity consulting at no cost to participating institutions, support she said would normally cost over one million dollars.

“That is all being provided by the best of experts in those four countries for free, and that’s what Google.org has helped us offset as a load,” she said.

Staveley stated that the foundation remains a non-profit focused on supporting vulnerable organisations and communities across Africa, adding that the initiative is intended to strengthen digital trust and protect services people rely on every day.

During her welcome address, she pointed to growing cyber activity across sub-Saharan Africa, citing data that showed over 95 million malware-based attacks in the first half of 2025, with spyware, password-stealing malware and backdoor tools among the most common threats.

Staveley said many community institutions operate with outdated systems, limited staff and little or no cybersecurity budget, leaving them exposed. “Attacks are not a matter of if, it is when,” she said.

The keynote address, delivered by Anna Collard, senior vice president for Content Strategy at KnowBe4 Africa, described cyber resilience as a people-centred issue rather than a purely technical one.

“When we think about resilience or cyber resilience, we often think about technology and firewalls and maybe viruses, but actually it’s about people,” Collard said. “We’re doing this to protect people and to ensure we deliver critical services to our people.”

She warned that community institutions such as hospitals and schools are attractive targets because they usually lack the budgets and skills of large financial institutions, but the impact of attacks on them can be severe.

Collard called for cybersecurity to be treated as a shared responsibility and a common good, comparable to public health.

“You can’t just expect one institution to solve those problems by itself,” she said. “We need to ensure that everyone gets up to a certain level of baseline protection.”

Google.org’s support for the initiative was outlined by Haviva Kohl, senior programme manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“Resilio Africa isn’t just another training workshop,” Kohl said. “It is a holistic resilience programme designed specifically for organisations that lack the resources to sustain a complex security programme.”

She elaborated that Africa recorded a 23% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023, with public and non-profit institutions among the most affected. Many of these organisations, she said, operate with zero security budget and outdated systems.

“This is why Google.org has committed a grant to support the launch of Resilio Africa,” she said.

Introducing the programme in detail, Cybersafe Foundation Programmes Lead, Success Tawo, said the initiative is built to meet institutions “where they are” and not impose one-size-fits-all solutions.

“Resilio Africa is a project dedicated to helping critical community institutions just like yourself,” she said. “The goal is not perfection. The goal is risk reduction, stronger systems and long-term resilience.”

Tawo said participating organisations will receive cybersecurity health checks, phishing simulations, staff training, incident response playbooks, real-time threat intelligence and access to a regional support network.

She stressed that the programme aims to help protect the records of at least two million people across the four participating countries and build a community of institutions that can share information and support each other.

“We are protecting 200 organisations, which means you have access to 199 other organisations that are similarly positioned like you,” she said.

A panel discussion followed, focusing on shared responsibility between governments, technology partners and community institutions.

Panellists included Gbolabo Awelewa, chief business officer at Essentry; Joylynn Kirui, head of Information Security at Prime Bank Africa; Dr Bright Mawudor, founder of CyberGuard Africa; Confidence Osein, founder of Internet Safe Kids Africa; and Juliet Ohahuru-Obiora, executive director of the Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Initiative.

Speakers agreed that cyber resilience must be driven from leadership but embedded across entire organisations, from management to frontline staff.

“It doesn’t sit with the experts and it doesn’t sit with any department,” Osein said. “It’s something that is shared across teams.”

The Resilio Africa programme will run for three years, with plans to scale to additional countries subject to funding. Cybersafe Foundation said the initiative is free for participating institutions but stressed that sustainability will depend on continued support.

Applications for eligible organisations are now open in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

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Nigeria’s flooding problem isn’t new, but it is getting worse.

The question now is whether artificial intelligence (AI) can provide a game-changing solution to better predict, prepare for, and mitigate flooding in Nigeria.

Why Nigeria is Struggling with Flooding

Flooding in Nigeria is often a result of a combination of poor urban planning, weak drainage infrastructure, deforestation, and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns.

In Lagos, for instance, rising sea levels and poor waste disposal clogging the drainage system lead to frequent urban flooding. In riverine areas like Kogi and Benue, the annual swelling of the Niger and Benue rivers routinely submerges entire communities.

Despite repeated warnings from meteorological agencies, many communities are caught off guard each year, leading to loss of life and destruction of property.

While government agencies like NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) and NIHSA (Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency) have made efforts to improve flood warning systems, their reach and effectiveness remain limited.

How AI is Changing Flood Forecasting

To bridge the gap in flood response, technology is being increasingly deployed as a tool to predict and manage flooding risks.

One of the most promising developments is Google’s Flood Hub, an AI-powered system designed to predict floods with greater accuracy and provide early warnings to affected communities.

By analyzing satellite data, weather patterns, and historical flood records, Flood Hub can generate forecasts that give communities more time to prepare.

Two newly introduced features—inundation history maps and basin view per gauge—offer deeper insights into areas that are historically vulnerable to floods.

The inundation history map allows experts to study flood-prone areas in detail, while the basin view per gauge helps hydrologists track river basin levels in real time.

These advancements mean that local disaster response agencies, urban planners, and humanitarian organizations can take proactive steps before the waters rise rather than simply reacting to disasters after they occur.

Beyond Prediction: AI and Disaster Relief Efforts

While forecasting is crucial, AI is also being used in disaster relief efforts to help affected communities recover faster. In 2024, a collaboration between Google.org, GiveDirectly, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) piloted an anticipatory cash relief program in flood-prone Nigerian states.

With $4.6 million in funding, the program provided direct financial aid to families in Kogi and Benue states before floodwaters reached their homes.

The program used AI-powered flood predictions to identify high-risk areas and trigger cash transfers 5-7 days before peak flooding.

This gave families the chance to relocate, buy food, and safeguard their belongings ahead of time—an approach that marked a significant shift from the usual post-disaster aid model.

A resident of Kogi State who benefited from the program noted:

“Usually, we wait for the flood to come before help arrives, and by then, we’ve lost everything. This time, we were able to move early and protect what we could.”

This kind of AI-driven anticipatory relief could reshape how humanitarian aid is delivered in Nigeria, especially for communities that experience annual flooding.

The Challenges of AI Adoption in Nigeria

Despite the promise of AI-powered flood forecasting, several barriers remain. Internet connectivity is still unreliable in many flood-prone rural communities, limiting the reach of digital early warning systems.

Additionally, a lack of awareness and trust in technology-driven solutions means that many Nigerians continue to rely on traditional methods—such as observing cloud formations and river levels—to predict floods.

There is also the challenge of government coordination. While Nigeria has multiple agencies responsible for flood response, inefficiencies, bureaucratic delays, and funding shortages mean that vital information doesn’t always reach those who need it the most.

To maximize the potential of AI in disaster management, Nigeria must invest in:

• Stronger communication channels between government agencies and the public.
• Improved internet infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.
• Local language accessibility for early warning systems to reach grassroots communities.
• Public awareness campaigns to ensure that people understand and trust AI-driven flood predictions.

Looking Ahead: A Smarter Approach to Flood Management

As Nigeria grapples with worsening flood risks, technology offers a crucial opportunity to shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one.

AI-powered forecasting systems like Flood Hub can help reduce disaster impact, while anticipatory relief efforts demonstrate how timely interventions can save lives and livelihoods.

However, for AI to become truly effective in Nigeria’s flood response, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector players must work together to ensure that these technologies are widely adopted and integrated into the country’s broader disaster management strategy.

As the flood season approaches once again, the question remains: Will Nigeria harness AI’s potential to protect its people, or will communities continue to face the rising waters unprepared?

The post AI and Flood Management: Can Technology Help Nigeria Tackle Its Flooding Crisis? appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The Google.org funding aims to advance AI-driven innovation across Nigeria, enabling talent development and supporting solutions that address local challenges.

Directed to Data Science Nigeria, the funding will bolster the Ministry’s ongoing AI-driven initiatives to upskill youth and under- and unemployed Nigerians, with a focus on AI skill development and education.

This grant is part of Google.org’s broader $5.8million commitment to support digital skills programs across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, emphasised the importance of this support in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation: “This support from Google is a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation.

“By leveraging Google’s expertise and resources, we are creating opportunities to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy. This is a major step forward in our journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future for all Nigerians.”

The N2.8billion Google.org grant will support Data Science Nigeria’s work with the Federal Ministry’s AI talent development programs, including:

• DeepTech Ready Upskilling Programme: To provide 20,000 young Nigerians with advanced technical skills in data science and AI, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field.

• Experience AI Programme: To equip 25,000 educators with the tools and resources to teach 125,000 young people about AI, inspiring the next generation of AI innovators.

• Government AI Campus Programme: To upskill policymakers and public servants in AI policymaking, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI policies are developed and implemented responsibly.

Earlier this year, the Ministry set the stage for AI integration in Nigeria by hosting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) Workshop, followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy.

This strategy aims to leverage AI to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the well-being of all Nigerians. This new support from Google.org will build on this strong foundation, further cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in AI innovation on the continent.

In a significant step toward advancing the AI ecosystem, the Ministry and Google also announced the selected beneficiaries of the AI Fund, established by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in collaboration with Google.

The Fund will see each selected startup receive ₦100million in funding, along with up to $3.5million in Google Cloud Credits to help scale their solutions.

Additionally, these startups will gain access to Google’s world-class AI tools, mentorship from Google’s AI experts, and opportunities to connect with a global network of innovators and partners.

The 10 startups selected for the AI Fund are:

• BetaLife Health: Leverages AI to predict demand and match blood types for Africa’s blood supply needs.

• Bunce: AI-driven platform that centralises and personalizes customer engagement for businesses

• CDIAL AI: Enables seamless text-to-speech and speech-to-text AI functionality in 13 languages across underserved regions.

• Farmspeak: Leverages AI to support livestock farmers with disease detection and climate control.

• Lendsqr: Streamlines lending operations using AI, empowering global lenders and borrowers.

• ProDevs: Connects global companies with vetted African tech talent through AI-driven pre-classification and job matching.

• Rana Energy: AI-powered energy management optimising sustainable power for underserved users.

• SaaSPro Health: AI-driven healthcare documentation with tailored tools for Nigerian doctors.

• Towntalk: Leverages AI to provide contextual security insights for African communities, empowering informed decision making.

• Trade Lenda:  Streamlines credit analysis for MSMEs using AI, facilitating access to financing.

By focusing on sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, the startups will play a crucial role in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable economic growth through AI.

Matt Brittin, president of Google for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, shared Google’s commitment to Africa’s innovation ecosystem:

“Across Africa, entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology, including AI, to address large-scale societal challenges. Google remains committed to supporting these innovators, helping them expand their impact across the continent and beyond. Our work in Africa has always been about unlocking the digital economy’s benefits for more people, and this collaboration continues that mission.”

This initiative aligns with a broader report highlighting the economic potential of AI in Nigeria. According to recent findings from Public First, Artificial Intelligence could add as much as $15billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030.

By equipping local entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools, resources, and training needed to leverage AI, this initiative seeks to harness that potential, further reinforcing why this collaboration is vital for Nigeria’s digital future.

It builds on Google’s N1.2billion commitment to Nigeria, announced in 2023, aimed at empowering 20,000 Nigerians through digital skills and economic growth programs.

Through this support, the Ministry, alongside Google, aims to build a sustainable AI ecosystem that will not only foster innovation but also drive economic and social impact across Nigeria.

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The central focus of this project is to facilitate a comprehensive exploration of the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, highlighting the responsible development of this transformative technology.

Under the umbrella of the Digital Futures Project, Google.org is establishing a monumental $20 million fund, dedicated to providing grants to esteemed think tanks and academic institutions across the world. This financial injection will bolster dialogue, foster inquiry, and stimulate innovative solutions regarding AI’s far-reaching implications.

AI, often touted as a potential catalyst for societal transformation, is simplifying our lives and confronting some of humanity’s most pressing issues, from disease prevention to urban planning and disaster prediction. However, the rise of AI is not without its dilemmas, including concerns related to fairness, bias, misinformation, security, and the future of employment.

Addressing these intricate questions necessitates extensive collaboration among industry leaders, academia, governmental bodies, and civil society. The newly established fund aims to empower independent thinkers, representing a wide spectrum of perspectives and expertise, to delve into critical topics such as:

Global Security: Exploring the impact of AI on global security and how it can be harnessed to fortify institutions and enterprises.

Labor and the Economy: Investigating the ramifications of AI on the workforce and the economy, with a focus on transitioning the workforce for AI-enabled jobs, and enhancing productivity and economic growth through government initiatives.

Responsible AI Innovation: Identifying effective governance structures and cross-industry collaborations that can promote responsible AI innovation.

The initial beneficiaries of the Digital Futures Fund include prominent institutions such as the Aspen Institute, Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Center for a New American Security, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Institute for Security and Technology, Leadership Conference Education Fund, MIT Work of the Future, R Street Institute, and SeedAI. The fund’s reach will extend to institutions across the globe, with further details on additional organizations to be unveiled in the near future.

Google’s commitment to responsible AI extends beyond this fund. In 2018, the company published a set of AI Principles that guide its work, along with establishing a dedicated governance team to ensure these principles are put into practice through rigorous reviews of new AI systems. Additionally, Google actively contributes to industry-leading research on critical AI topics, including fairness, equity, security, privacy, and safety.

While Google has been at the forefront of AI research, the company recognizes that the journey to harness AI’s full potential requires collective effort. The Digital Futures Project, along with its substantial fund, is set to support and empower numerous voices in academia and civil society, ultimately advancing independent research that ensures AI benefits all of humanity.

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Google believes the investment aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ambitious commitment to create 1 million digital jobs.

The program will offer training in diverse areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, web development, and mobile app development, utilising both online and in-person delivery methods.

Open to participants from all over Nigeria, the initiative seeks to engage those with a strong interest in digital technology, a promising academic background, and a dedication to uplifting their communities.

Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, expressed, “We need to think outside the box and pave the way for more job opportunities. As a nation, we must walk the talk. It’s straightforward to discuss ambitious plans, but the real challenge lies in bringing these ideas to life. I want to assure Google and all our partners that this administration stands ready for collaboration. Nigeria is open for business. Our current President is deeply committed to leaving a legacy that will make Nigerians proud for generations to come.

“We have a unique opportunity to harness the potentials of our huge youth population to create millions of jobs in the digital sector. With a larger English-speaking populace than many countries in Africa and beyond, Nigeria stands out. We may have missed out on the agricultural and industrial revolutions, but we are now in the knowledge-driven, post-industrial age. The potential we have is immense, and we’re uniquely positioned to bridge the anticipated global talent gap. Our intent to partner with Google is clear and unwavering. We seek to work hand in hand with you for the betterment of our nation.”

VP Shettima

This initiative consists of three components. The first is the ‘Digital Onboarders Program’, aimed at equipping 5,000 youth not in employment, education, or training with the necessary digital skills, followed by their integration into consumer-centric businesses across 12 states in Nigeria.

The ‘Arewa Tech4Ladies’ program will provide digital learning for women in four semi-urban and rural communities in Kaduna State for women in four semi-urban and rural communities in Kaduna State. Through this, 5,000 women and girls will be trained in areas such as data science and artificial intelligence. 

The final pillar is the Engage Nigeria initiative, which is designed to offer training and mentorship to 10,000 prodigious young talents across the nation, supporting the growing creative industry.

Olumide Balogun, Google Nigeria’s Country Director, remarked,

“We see immense potential in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. Digital technologies aren’t just tools, they’re gateways to countless opportunities. With these platforms, our dynamic youth can step forth, becoming pivotal players in the digital economy. Our grant from Google.org is not only an investment but a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s bright future. We’re honoured to support the Federal Government’s admirable goal of creating 1 million digital jobs and will continue to be steadfast partners in this transformative journey.”

The launch of this program supports Nigeria’s journey towards a digitally inclusive and prosperous future. It reflects the enduring partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Google, emphasising a mutual pledge to equip Nigerian women and youth with the skills essential for success.

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