They are asking full questions in a single breath: “Where can I find a high quality aso-oke pant under ₦40,000 in Lagos?” Keyword lists cannot keep up, and the auction is rewarding accounts that have moved past keyword-only thinking.

What follows is less a list of features and more a working list of what to actually change, three habits, and two clusters of tools worth knowing.

1. Stop optimising keyword lists. Start writing intent briefs

The biggest mindset shift this year is this: the unit of optimisation is no longer the keyword. It is the brief.

Marketers have spent fifteen years getting good at keyword research, match types, and negatives. That muscle still matters, but it is no longer where the leverage lives.

The leverage lives in how clearly you can describe, in plain language, what you sell, who you serve, and where you do not want to play.

The teams getting the most out of AI-powered search are the ones whose briefs read like strategy memos, not lists of words.

If you do not already have a one-page intent brief per campaign, that is the first deliverable for this quarter.

2. Treat your feed and your landing pages as creative.

For most Nigerian e-commerce and lead-gen advertisers, the feed and landing-page set are owned by engineering or merchandising, and the marketing team takes whatever it is given. That has to change.

AI-driven systems read your feed and your URLs as inputs to their matching decisions. Material, sizing, availability, structured attributes, page titles, on-page copy, these are no longer hygiene tasks. They are creative assets.

Cleaning them up moves the same metrics that ad-copy A/B tests used to move.

Build a quarterly feed and landing-page audit into your calendar. Treat it with the same seriousness you treat creative refresh.

3. The horizontal AI tools worth testing now

If you are going to test one new thing this quarter, the most consequential is Google’s AI Max for Search ads, now a year in market. It sits on top of your existing Search campaigns and uses AI to read the full intent behind a query, expanding reach to conversational searches your keyword list was never going to capture.

Two pieces sit alongside it. AI Brief lets you steer the system in plain English, focus on sustainable traditional wear, exclude wholesale queries, keep a premium tone, instead of fighting it through layers of negatives.

Final URL Expansion sends customers to the most relevant page on your site automatically, which is invaluable if you run a deep catalogue. Together, this trio is becoming the default account structure for advertisers leaning into AI, and the performance signal is strong enough to act on.

4. Build an experimentation cadence into your account.

The accounts pulling ahead are not the ones that “went AI” overnight. They are the ones that built a disciplined test cadence and stuck with it.

A simple version: every quarter, pick one campaign with high keyword volume and a clear conversion goal. Run a controlled experiment against an AI-driven structure for four weeks. Read the results, then read them again at twelve weeks, and make a decision.

Without this, every AI conversation becomes a debate of opinion. With it, the answer comes from your own account, and you build a pattern of evidence over time that no vendor pitch can match.

5. Vertical updates worth tracking

AI updates are arriving by vertical too. Retailers should know that AI Max now extends to Shopping campaigns: it reads your product feed to match items to conversational queries, and can tailor titles and headlines to fit what the shopper actually asked.

Travel advertisers should know that Google is consolidating travel inventory under Search campaigns, with travel-specific feeds plugged into AI Max, fewer campaign types to manage, access to the same AI improvements other verticals are getting.

Finance, insurance, healthcare, and pharma advertisers should know about text disclaimers, which guarantee mandatory legal text appears in every ad served from a campaign, finally making AI creative usable under local laws.

The pattern is worth naming: AI in search is not a one-product story. Track the updates that touch your vertical; ignore the ones that do not.

Where to start

Pick one campaign. Write the brief. Audit the feed. Run a four-week test. Read the result. The auction has moved, and the marketers who rebuild the way they think before they rebuild the way they buy will compound the gains over the next year.

This funding will support programs focused on building advanced AI talent and strengthening digital safety and security within the community.

This initiative is a core commitment to advancing Nigeria’s vision for digital leadership, directly supporting the ambitious National AI Strategy and the national mandate to create 1 million digital jobs.

The country is poised to unlock a projected $15 billion in economic value from AI by 2030, according to findings from Public First.

This dual focus ensures the country has both the skilled workforce and the secure environment needed for its economic growth to be sustainable and inclusive.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, minister of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, commented:

“Artificial Intelligence sits at the heart of Nigeria’s desire to raise the level of productivity in our economy as well as our ambition to compete globally in technology and innovation. I welcome this important and timely investment from Google and Google.org, which reflects the power of meaningful private-sector partnership in nurturing our talent, strengthening our digital infrastructure, and advancing our national AI priorities. This collaboration directly supports our drive to operationalise our National AI Strategy and to position Nigerian innovators at the forefront of the global AI revolution.”

The funding will be provided to five expert organizations.

• To build AI talent:
  • FATE Foundation in collaboration with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), will embed an advanced AI curriculum into universities.
  • The African Technology Forum (ATF) will launch an innovation challenge to guide developers from learning to building real-world products.
• To fortify digital safety:
  • Junior Achievement (JA) Africa will scale the ‘Be Internet Awesome’ curriculum for youth.
  • The CyberSafe Foundation will strengthen the cybersecurity of public institutions.

Adenike Adeyemi, executive director, FATE Foundation, added:

“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.”

Olumide Balogun, director for West Africa at Google, commented:

“Google has been a foundational partner in Nigeria’s digital journey, and this N3 billion commitment is the next chapter in that story. This is an investment in people, aimed at empowering them with advanced AI skills and ensuring a safe digital space to operate. We are honoured to continue our collaboration in support of the Ministry’s efforts to help build a future where the promise of AI creates opportunity for everyone.”

This announcement builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, including infrastructure like the Equiano subsea cable and successful initiatives like the 2023 “Skills Sprint” program, a N1.2 billion commitment to Mind the Gap.

This program successfully trained 20,991 participants (including 5,217 women in AI & Tech) and saw 3,576 participants move into jobs, internships, or businesses, demonstrating tangible results in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.

These advancements highlight how AI is transforming advertising and digital commerce, providing tools designed to help businesses connect with their customers more effectively.

“In Sub-Saharan Africa, the digital landscape is experiencing explosive growth, making digital presence and AI adoption no longer an option, but a necessity for businesses to thrive and connect with their customers effectively,” said Olumide Balogun, Director West Africa, Google. “These GML announcements reinforce our commitment to equipping Nigeria’s vibrant business community with cutting-edge AI tools to unlock new opportunities and achieve their growth ambitions.”

Key innovations introduced at GML 2025 include:

Ads in AI Overviews and New AI Mode Ads AI Overviews, which provide AI-generated summaries at the top of Google Search results, have proven to be one of the most successful launches in Search in the past decade. Google sees more than 5 trillion searches annually.

In major markets like the U.S. and India, AI Overviews are driving over a 10% increase in Google usage for the types of queries that show them.

People who interact with AI Overviews search more often and are happier with the results, with the volume of commercial queries also increasing.

This presents significant opportunities for advertisers as people turn to Search to discover new brands and products.

Initially, Search and Shopping ads in AI Overviews will be expanding to desktop in the U.S. starting today, May 21, 2025. Later in 2025, ads in AI Overviews will expand in English to select countries on mobile and desktop, including Canada, Australia, Philippines, South Africa, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya, and Indonesia.

This expansion, along with tests for ads within AI Mode – a more conversational AI search experience for complex questions – is intended to offer businesses more opportunities for consumer connection. Where relevant, ads may appear below and integrated into AI Mode responses.

This is particularly relevant in regions where AI adoption is growing, such as Nigeria, where 70% of the online population has used generative AI in the past year, significantly above the global average.

Introducing AI Marketing Assistants Google is launching advanced “agentic capabilities” across its advertising platforms, offering AI assistants that can simplify tasks and provide personalized support. These new tools learn from various inputs to offer tailored guidance and assist in executing tasks, from setting up campaigns to reviewing reports. This includes a new “Marketing Advisor” in Chrome, an AI agent offering step-by-step guidance. Coming soon to Google Ads and Google Analytics, these empower marketers to focus more on high-level strategy and creative innovation.

Google is introducing new features to help brands create visually compelling content more easily:

• Image-to-Video Transformation: This new generative AI feature allows users to transform still images into dynamic videos. It’s powered by Google’s latest Veo model. This capability is already available in the Merchant Center and will be coming to Google Ads in the future. This helps brands tell powerful stories and grab shoppers’ attention without needing extensive video production resources.
• AI Outpainting: This generative AI feature intelligently expands videos beyond their original frames. It’s the same technology seen behind “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere. AI outpainting is currently available in Google Ads App campaigns and will expand to more campaign types later this year. This allows advertisers to fill all remaining aspect ratio gaps with customized, native videos.

Centralizing Creative Tools with Asset Studio For advertisers, Google is introducing a new workspace called Asset Studio within Google Ads, coming soon. This studio will centralize existing creative tools and offer new capabilities. Users can generate stunning images and showcase products in action.

New Ways for Advertisers to Measure and Understand Ads New tools are being introduced to help advertisers better understand how their advertising performs.

This includes making it simpler to conduct “incrementality testing,” which helps businesses discover what truly adds value to their ad campaigns. Additionally, “Data Manager” is a new central platform designed to help businesses collect, store, and use their customer information from different sources, all while keeping privacy in mind. These improvements aim to provide marketers with clearer insights and better results.

The innovations announced at GML 2025 are designed to support the digital economy in Nigeria. With the increasing adoption of AI and the growth of digital platforms in the region, these tools are positioned to assist local businesses in their digital endeavours.

*Google Marketing Live is Google’s annual event that showcases new product innovations for its advertising and commerce platforms.

The event focuses on how AI is influencing consumer behaviour and creating opportunities for businesses.

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?

This annual event brought together 45-50 alumni from across the continent including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda to celebrate their achievements and discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy, with a spotlight on the role of these startups in driving innovation, job creation, and scalable business growth.

The BFF Impact Report offers a comprehensive look at the remarkable impact that targeted support for Black entrepreneurs has had on the African tech ecosystem.

The report reveals that BFF-supported startups have collectively raised $379 million, created more than 6,000 jobs, and experienced 61% faster growth than their peers, underscoring the importance of strategic investment in fostering sustainable innovation.

Through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and networking, the Black Founders Fund has empowered entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, scale their businesses, and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation.

The Black Founders Fund Impact Report demonstrates the pivotal role of the program in strengthening the continent’s startup ecosystem, enabling businesses to compete globally and attract significant investment.

Olumide Balogun, country director, West Africa, Google for Startups, remarked,

“The Black Founders Fund is not just about financial support—it’s about creating an ecosystem of innovation, job creation, and opportunity. The BFF Impact Report reflects the incredible progress Black entrepreneurs have made, and how the right resources can empower them to lead Africa’s digital future. The impact we are seeing today will set the stage for an even more vibrant African tech landscape tomorrow.”

Despite Africa’s growing recognition as a hub for innovation, Black entrepreneurs continue to face substantial barriers, with access to capital remaining a key challenge.

African startups raise less than 1% of global venture capital, and women-led and marginalised entrepreneurs are particularly underrepresented.

Limited access to mentorship, networks, and markets exacerbates these difficulties, often hindering talented entrepreneurs from scaling their businesses. However, initiatives like the Black Founders Fund are driving systemic change.

Through non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and an expansive network, the BFF has empowered over 220 startups, enabling them to scale faster and break down these barriers.

Mariama Boumanjal, Black Founders Fund Manager Europe, Google for Startups, said,

“The BFF Impact Report proves that with the right support, Black founders can not only overcome these challenges—they can lead the way in innovation, job creation, and economic development.”

Key Highlights from the BFF Impact Report:

• 6,000+ jobs created by BFF-supported startups, with 7x growth in employment since 2021.
• $379 million raised collectively by BFF companies, including $61 million raised by 21 AI-first startups.
• 61% faster growth for BFF companies over a 3-year period compared to industry peers.
• 4% of leadership roles in African BFF companies are held by women, with 68% of startups being women-led or having a female co-founder.
• Kenya leads in follow-on funding with 26 BFF-supported startups cumulatively raising nearly $100 million, employing 1,073 people.

The BFF Impact Report also highlights the diverse industries where BFF startups are making significant contributions, including Fintech, Healthtech, Agritech, and AI.

By providing entrepreneurs with the resources and connections they need, the Black Founders Fund is helping to nurture the next generation of tech leaders who are shaping Africa’s digital future.

Folarin Aiyegbusi said,

“This report is a celebration of the incredible work being done by Black founders across Africa. The BFF Impact Report proves that, when we invest in these entrepreneurs, we’re not only helping individual startups, but we’re driving systemic change within the broader African tech ecosystem.”

The Black Founders Fund Alumni Summit also featured discussions with key industry leaders, investors, and policymakers about the ongoing opportunities and challenges facing African tech startups.

The event provided valuable networking and collaboration opportunities for attendees, helping to further build the connections that will drive future growth in the ecosystem.

The summit also included a gala dinner, highlighting the achievements of BFF alumni, and further strengthening the connections between investors, startups, and key ecosystem players.

–

In the bustling markets of Lagos, a remarkable transformation is underway. A local logistics company, once struggling with efficiency, has now streamlined its entire operation using AI-driven solutions.

This is a glimpse into the broader canvas of Africa where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a cornerstone for business innovation.

Across the continent, from the tech hubs of Nairobi to the vibrant streets of Accra, AI is no longer a distant concept but a present-day tool reshaping the way businesses operate and grow.

Enterprises of all sizes are tapping into AI to enhance their processes, improve customer experiences, and unlock new growth potential.

Recently, Google brought together industry leaders from leading organisations such as MTN, FirstBank, and Kuda to explore the integration and impact of AI in African businesses.

The discussions brought into focus the immediate relevance of AI, emphasising that its value lies not just in preparing for future challenges but in providing practical solutions for the pressing needs of today’s market.

Fola Olatunji-David, representing Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Nigerian Minister of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, noted that “AI is not just a technological leap forward, but a catalyst for redefining how we approach business challenges and opportunities in Africa.”

As AI becomes more prevalent across Africa, it’s crucial to recognize that its adoption is more than just a technological upgrade.

It’s about rethinking how businesses operate, engage with customers, and improve their processes.

Key factors like managing costs, acquiring the right talent, and implementing effective strategies are central to this transition.

Successfully navigating these aspects of AI integration hinges on practical solutions and a collective commitment to embracing and adapting to this technological evolution.

In this transformative landscape, it’s the businesses who are at the forefront, with the support of collaborative partners.

Our initiatives, like the Google for Startups Accelerator AI First program, aim to empower businesses to effectively leverage AI technologies.

By working together, we can ensure that the adoption of AI across Africa’s business sector is impactful and responsible, driving progress and prosperity across the continent.

The transformative potential of AI in Africa is immense. It offers a pathway for businesses to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

The journey of integrating AI into African businesses is a testament to the region’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to embracing new technologies for sustainable growth and development.

The narrative of AI in Africa is evolving, marked by instances of innovation and collaborative efforts. While there are diverse experiences across the continent, many businesses are finding ways to harness technology for their growth and success.

This journey with AI is contributing to various aspects of economic development, illustrating the potential and diverse applications of technology in different African contexts.

In the vibrant city of Lagos, a small yet ambitious logistics company is redefining its business landscape.

By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations, they have not only improved efficiency but have also carved a new path for growth and innovation.

This is not just an isolated success story; it mirrors a larger narrative unfolding across Africa where AI is becoming a fundamental tool for business transformation.

Google Unleashes Generative AI to Search in Africa 

Across the continent, in bustling marketplaces and corporate boardrooms, AI is no longer perceived as a futuristic notion but as a present-day catalyst for change. Businesses, both large and small, are increasingly embracing AI to enhance processes, customer experiences, and scalability.

This adoption signifies a significant shift in how African businesses approach innovation and competitiveness in the global market.

A recent roundtable convened by Google brought together leaders from top organisations like MTN, FirstBank, and Kuda in Nigeria.

This gathering was more than just a meeting of minds; it was a testament to the growing recognition of AI’s role in reshaping African businesses.

One of the most poignant insights, shared by Fola Olatunji-David, representing the Nigerian Minister of Communication, Innovation & Digital Economy, encapsulates this sentiment perfectly: “AI is not just a technological leap forward but a catalyst for redefining how we approach business challenges and opportunities in Africa.”

However, the integration of AI into the African business sector is not without its challenges. It requires a reimagining of business models, customer engagement strategies, and operational efficiencies. Key hurdles such as cost, talent acquisition, and strategic implementation need to be addressed.

This journey towards AI integration calls for not just innovative solutions but also a unified vision and a steadfast commitment to driving technological change.

It is essential to acknowledge that businesses are at the forefront of this transformation. They are the primary drivers of innovation, with collaborative partners playing a supportive role in this journey.

Initiatives like Google’s Accelerator AI First program are designed to empower businesses to effectively leverage AI for sustainable growth and innovation.

This collaborative approach ensures that AI adoption across Africa’s business sector is both impactful and responsible, contributing to progress and prosperity.

The potential of AI in transforming Africa’s business landscape is immense. It provides a pathway for businesses to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

This transformative journey is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and commitment of African businesses to embrace new technologies for sustainable growth and development.

As we look to the future, the focus is clear. AI’s role in Africa is not just about technological advancement; it’s about shaping a new economic narrative for the continent.

A narrative where technology acts as a catalyst for sustainable growth, innovation, and a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.

The story of AI in Africa is one of collaborative innovation, transformation, and the promise of a technologically empowered continent.

It’s a narrative that showcases how technology can be harnessed not only to drive business success but also to contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of the continent.

Google’s research also revealed the top trending questions being asked about AI across Nigeria. Here, Olumide Balogun, Google West Africa Director, answers some of the top most frequently asked questions:

What is Artificial Intelligence and how does it work? 

AI is a type of technology that can learn from its environment, experiences and people, and that can understand patterns and make projections better than any previous technology before it.

AI models are trained and created by human engineers, who input data into the AI system to train it. For example, in 2012, we showed an AI model thousands of videos of cats on YouTube, so that it could learn to recognize a cat.

Now, with advancements in technology, we could give an AI model hundreds of books on animals to read – and, using those, it would be able to describe a cat to us on its own despite having never been shown one.

Once AI systems are trained, they’re tested to see if they work well. You can do this by asking the AI model to describe or recognise a cat, for example, or even to generate a picture of one for you. Training AI models can take a long time – but once they work, they can be deployed into production so that you can use them at home.

When did AI start?

AI can be traced back to the early 1950s, when Alan Turing – a British mathematician – published a paper on “computing machinery and intelligence”. That kick-started the principles behind AI – but the first time anyone used the term was likely in 1956, when John McCarthy hosted a conference at Dartmouth College called the Dartmouth Summer Research Project in Artificial Intelligence.

So AI is not new – in fact, AI research has been accelerating since the 1990s. Google itself became an AI-first company back in 2015.

But the pace of AI development is accelerating – with more households able to access generative AI tools like text-to-image generators or chatbots – which has made AI a household phrase for maybe the first time ever.

Where is AI used?

AI has always been integral to many daily tools, from Google Translate to antilock braking in cars. Its transformative power, however, is being harnessed more profoundly now. In the heart of this evolution is the Google AI centre in Accra, laser-focused on Africa’s unique challenges and aspirations.

While innovations like Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold impact global biotech, in Africa, we’re taking strides that resonate with local needs. We’re collaborating to map remote buildings for better planning, using AI to predict challenges like locust outbreaks, and enhancing maternal health via AI-powered ultrasound.

AI’s potential in sustainability is vast.

In Africa, it’s about thriving industries that respect our rich biodiversity. While the global health community benefits from protein sequence mapping, for Africa, it’s a hope against diseases like malaria.

What can AI do and how can I use it? 

Think of AI as a tool that’s really good at understanding patterns and making projections – better than any computer has been before – and that’s been taught to learn from its environment, experiences and people. When you put that ability to good use, you can use AI to do all sorts of amazing things: like helping doctors to screen for and identify cancer, predicting and monitoring natural disasters, or helping businesses to identify and reduce their carbon emissions.

You’re probably using AI all the time already, without realising. But you can now also use AI to help boost your productivity with experimental language tools like Bard; to translate even more languages on Google Translate; or to find the most fuel efficient route on Google Maps.

Is AI dangerous?

AI is like any other technology in that it can be used for good or bad, depending on the user. On the one hand, it has incredible potential to be used in ways that are beneficial for society – whether it’s protecting people from spam and fraud, translating hundreds more languages, or forecasting floods up to seven days in advance. But it can also be used to amplify current societal issues – like misinformation and discrimination.

It’s really important that we get these tools right, working together to ensure we’re creating and using them responsibly.

That means governments introducing regulation to help us seize the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks, as well as companies developing shared sets of standards and principles.

At Google, we’re also led by our own AI Principles – which you can read online – to make sure we’re developing AI that is beneficial for society.

Will AI take my job?

As technology has developed, so too has the job market. At the beginning of the last century, people mostly worked in agriculture. Now we have hedge fund managers, cabin crews aboard widely-accessible commercial flights – and, as recently as 1995, web designers. So we’ve had these questions for a long time and, as a society, we’ve navigated them well.

That’s not to underestimate the potential of AI – which is essentially the ‘third wave’ of digital technology after the internet and mobile phones. It will be brilliant for people’s productivity and for economic opportunity – but it will also cause some levels of disruption. We’ll see a whole set of jobs that can grow – but the most profound change will be how many of our jobs will be assisted by technologies.

AI will become a partner to many of us, helping us not just to make the repetitive tasks of our work more efficient, but sparking creativity and enabling us to spend more time on the bits of our jobs that we love and that challenge us.

We’re already working with people to help them learn how AI can help them. Our Grow with Google programs have trained 7 million people and helped to close the digital skills gap in Africa.

Governments, NGOs and the private sector can work together to bring similar schemes about – ensuring that everyone can benefit from AI.

With a career marked by strategic brilliance and exceptional contributions, Olumide Balogun stands poised to lead Google’s regional endeavors toward new horizons.

Having been with Google for a little over four years, Balogun’s career journey showcases his zeal to drive strategic initiatives and technological progress. His role as Head of Consumer Apps for sub-Saharan Africa at Google underscored his ability to drive adoption, growth, and retention for the company’s consumer services across the continent, leaving an indelible mark on user engagement.

A seasoned marketer with a knack for innovation, Balogun’s legacy extends to key roles at prominent companies. From heading marketing efforts at HMD Global to driving marketing activities across West Africa for Microsoft, his expertise has redefined brand narratives and engagement strategies.

As Senior Manager of Product Marketing for West and Central Africa, Nokia, he expertly crafted consumer value propositions, messaging, and positioning for a wide range of products. He also excelled in driving the success of Nokia’s services and store within the West Africa area, fostering engagement and maximizing product life-cycle impact.

Balogun’s leadership extends beyond corporate roles. As Partner Manager for Developer Experience at Nokia, he played a pivotal role in nurturing brands and developer partnerships across West and Central African markets. His strategic acumen and ability to manage processes ensured partners’ success and the growth of Nokia’s ecosystem.

His journey began as a Software Development Engineer at IL-Systems Limited, where he honed his skills in software development, support, marketing, and sales. This foundation laid the groundwork for his dynamic career journey marked by innovation and transformation.

Olumide Balogun’s journey of excellence is underpinned by education and a hunger for growth. Armed with an MBA from Imperial College London and a Harvard Business School Online Diploma in Sustainable Business Strategies, he embodies a commitment to continuous learning and strategic thinking.

In a recent announcement of a N1.2 billion Google grant to Mind the Gap in partnership with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa, Balogun stated: “Today, in my first official act as Director for West Africa, I’m deeply honoured to announce a 1.2 billion Naira Google.org grant to Mind the Gap in partnership with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa. This initiative will empower 20,000 Nigerian women and youth, and contribute to the President’s goal of creating 1M digital jobs in Nigeria.

This is a testament to our shared vision of a digitally adept Nigeria. Beyond just training, it’s about lighting the spark of innovation, nurturing dreams, and laying the foundation for countless success stories.”

In his role as Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun steps onto a platform where he can drive transformative change and innovation.

The appointment of Olumide Balogun as Google’s Director for West Africa stands as a beacon of Google’s goal to enhance innovation and foster growth. Balogun’s journey, marked by strategic brilliance and a passion for transformation, promises to be a chapter of progress, collaboration, and remarkable achievements as he steps into the role following the recent exit of Dr. Juliet Ehimuan as Google’s first Africa Director and a prominent figure in the tech landscape. 

Mr. Balogun who led other Google executives to the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, disclosed that the familiarisation visit to NITDA has become imperative because it would restate Google West Africa’s commitments to deepening the partnership.

He said, “I have been at Google for four years, recently now taking over the West Africa Director lead role. And our coming here today is to identify the critical steps that we need to take to jointly actualise the Nigerian President’s initiative to drive 1 million digital jobs because Google cannot thrive in isolation.” 

Mr. Balogun revealed that Google have been working on Africa Internet for over eight years. According to him, “In 2015, during our premier developer event, we announced that Google has shifted from being a mobile first company to an AI first company. So, we were quite amused with all the chat GPT conversations.”

While disclosing that Google is currently working on a document that would detail the impact of Artificial Intelligence in Africa which will be launched in University of Johannesburg, South Africa in September, the Director is inviting the NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, to deliver keynote address at the event. 

In his remarks, the NITDA boss maintained that he believes that they can create I million digital jobs if they work together to craft a strategy on how to achieve the target. 

According to Inuwa, NITDA is positioning Nigeria for accelerated job creation in a digital economy. Saying, “We are looking at the Nigeria Startup Act, which identifies some initiatives such as the talent development that can enable job creation. Nigeria can position itself to bridge the gap because we have youthful population,” he said.

He noted that the government’s responsibility in the ecosystem is to intervene in terms of policies, regulations, and infrastructure where needed, the objectives of any regulation are to help create market, democratize access to services, protect consumers, enhance service delivery, and enable innovation. 

“Basically, Regulation can be rule based and non-rule based. Non-rule based is what we advocated for. To allow the ecosystem players to self-regulate themselves, put the standard in place, and we can help to ensure new entrance comply to that standard because what we are after is to have a responsible and ethical views of platforms around the world,” he said.

Inuwa further disclosed that NITDA is changing people’s mindset about the perspective on government approach to regulation and policy, adding that the Agency is co-creating with the ecosystem in anything it does. 

He maintained that Nigeria could position itself to bridge the gap in digital transformation because it has a youthful population. “In 2018, digitally transformed enterprise contributed 18.5% global GDP. It was projected to reach 53.3% this year, that is over 50% of the global GDP. The generative AI is going to add about 7 trillion US dollars,” he said.

While acknowledging that NITDA’s partnership with Google Developers Group has resulted in the training of 150,000 youths in Nigeria, Inuwa noted that, “Presently we have an initiative running here in Abuja at our National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), and we want to expand same programme to other states in collaboration with the GDG as well. We are looking at how we can build technology development zones in partnership with universities to promote smart manufacturing.” 

“Similarly, we are also looking at how to establish the seed investment fund to all the startups to attract investment. Last year, over 626 billion was invested but only 3.5% came to Africa and if you look at our population, we can do more than that; these are some of the ideas we need the stakeholders like you to come work with us on,” he concluded.