Nigeria’s Federal Government has partnered with Google to transform the country into a global tech hub, focusing on infrastructure, citizen education, AI innovation, and cloud technology. The initiative, launched after a meeting between President Tinubu and Google CEO Pichai, aims to create a roadmap for digital transformation and enhance the local workforce’s capabilities.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a partnership with Google that aims to transform the country into a global technology hub. Mr. Inuwa Kashifu, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, revealed during an interview that the collaboration focuses on infrastructure development, citizen education, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, cloud technology adoption, and a robust investment framework.
Kashifu emphasized that this partnership seeks to establish an ecosystem conducive to Nigeria’s digital transformation. Launched following a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Google CEO Sundar Pichai in Paris, the initiative will create a comprehensive roadmap for advancing Nigeria’s digital capabilities.
Key areas targeted by the initiative include: 1. Infrastructure Development; 2. Scaling of Citizens; 3. AI Innovation; 4. Cloud Adoption; 5. Investment Framework. Kashifu also discussed the critical role of data centers in the digital economy, underlining the importance of localizing sensitive data for both government and private sectors.
He pointed out that data centers typically do not rely solely on grid electricity but often operate off-grid and utilize green technologies for sustainability and carbon credits. Upskilling Nigeria’s workforce is crucial to capitalize on opportunities arising from this partnership, which will require embedding digital skills into the education system from primary to tertiary levels.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to establish a “Special Purpose Vehicle” to develop a large language model in Nigeria, which will support the promotion of local languages and cultures. This endeavor illustrates the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s digital transformation journey through strategic collaboration with global leaders.
The partnership between the Nigerian government and Google is set to drive substantial advancements in Nigeria’s technological landscape. By focusing on key areas such as infrastructure development and AI innovation, the collaboration seeks to ensure that Nigeria is equipped to thrive in the digital age. Furthermore, the emphasis on workforce upskilling and data localization will play a vital role in maximizing the impact of this strategic partnership.
Original Source: punchng.com
