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Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy Announce N2.8billion Google support to Advance AI Talent Development in Nigeria

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Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy Announce N2.8billion Google support to Advance AI Talent Development in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy (FMCIDE) today announced new support from Google to accelerate AI talent development across Nigeria. This support, which is provided through a N2.8billion grant from Google.org to Data Science Nigeria, 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, Honourable 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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YouTube to cut monetization for low-effort and A.I. content from July 15.

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From July 15, 2025, YouTube will implement a new set of rules in its monetization policies within the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), focused on eliminating repetitive, automated, and low-value content.

According to the official announcement, YouTube will update its monetization policies specifically to address two types of content considered “inauthentic”.

The first type is “mass-produced content”.

According to the announcement, this includes “videos created in bulk with minimal human input, such as automated presentations with synthetic voices and no personalized narrative.”

Another type of content that will be cut are “repetitive content. This includes “videos that reuse formats, scripts, or styles without offering distinctive value, such as reaction mashups, remixes of existing content, or compilations with minimal editing.”

This type of content, while it may have previously met technical requirements, will now be demonetized for lacking originality and real value for viewers.

According to the announcement, all videos that fall into the following categories will be excluded from monetization:

“Reuse third-party material without significant transformation.

“Use auto-generated voices or subtitles without adding commentary or original context.

“Publish the same type of video repeatedly without variation or innovation.

“Be superficially edited to appear new (e.g., changing colors, cropping scenes, or applying filters without adding value).
Channels that continue using these practices risk being removed from the YouTube Partner Program.”

YouTube will reward monetization only to creators producing original and authentic content, including:

“Educational videos with unique explanations, research, or tutorials that teach something new.

“Innovative entertainment content, such as original sketches, short films, vlogs, or creative analysis.

“Narration and editing with the creator’s own voice and style, avoiding exclusive reliance on artificial narrators or automated tools.”

The platform clarified that AI is not prohibited, as long as the creator adds meaningful human value…

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IMO STATE LAUNCHES DIGITAL LAND INFORMATION CENTER, UNLOCKING NEW ERA FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT

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Imo State has taken a major leap in land administration with the unveiling of the Imo Land Information Service Centre (IMLISC), a modern, technology-driven facility established under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Located within the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning in Owerri, this state-of-the-art centre is set to transform land governance, boost investor confidence, and protect citizens from fraudulent land dealings.

The IMLISC introduces a fully digital system that streamlines land transactions and offers services such as e-land searches, land recertification, issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), and ownership transfers. These automated processes ensure faster, more transparent, and accountable land administration, marking a clear departure from outdated, manual methods.

Governor Uzodimma’s administration has championed this initiative as part of its broader commitment to innovative governance and economic reform. The centre provides Imo citizens with secure access to land-related data, shielding them from scams and ensuring legitimacy in property transactions. It builds trust and simplifies land ownership—making it both secure and straightforward.

For the business community, IMLISC is a game-changer. Entrepreneurs and real estate developers now have access to clear documentation, reliable data, and efficient processing—eliminating bottlenecks that previously hampered progress. The result is a more attractive business climate that welcomes both local and diaspora investors with open arms.

Moreover, the new system is expected to enhance internally generated revenue (IGR). With better documentation and fewer disputes, land transactions will be more organized and traceable, increasing state earnings from legitimate dealings. These funds can then be reinvested into critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education—ultimately benefiting every Imo resident.

The centre will also serve as a hub for land dispute resolution, offering timely and fair intervention mechanisms. Through data-driven decision-making, it will support sustainable urban planning and responsible land use policies across the state.

Governor Uzodimma’s foresight in establishing the IMLISC is a testament to his commitment to good governance, transparency, and economic growth. The centre is not just a building—it is a symbol of Imo State’s readiness for progress, a safeguard for property rights, and a magnet for investment.

With this initiative, Imo is setting a new benchmark in land administration—one that empowers citizens, supports business growth, attracts global investors, and drives development for the future.

#HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCenter

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French Tesla customers sue over brand becoming ‘extreme right’

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Tesla sales in the EU have nearly halved, with many customers looking for electric cars put off by Elon Musk's political positions. Photo: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP/File Source: AFP

Around 10 French clients with leases on Teslas are suing the US carmaker, run by Elon Musk, because they consider the vehicles to be “extreme-right” symbols, the law firm representing them said on Wednesday.

They feel they suffered “direct and concrete” damage from the way Teslas are now associated with “Elon Musk’s actions”, the GKA law firm said.

They are demanding the Paris commercial court order their lease contracts be terminated and legal costs reimbursed, it said in a statement, signed by lawyers Patrick Klugman and Ivan Terel.

The lawsuit comes as Tesla sales in the European Union have almost halved since the beginning of the year, a slump attributed to Musk’s political activities.

Those activities include him — until last week — standing firmly with US President Donald Trump, and overseeing efforts to cut down US departments and agencies.

He has also lent public support to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, and came under criticism for making a repeated gesture with an out-thrust arm interpreted by many historians to be a Nazi salute.

“Because of Elon Musk’s actions… Tesla branded vehicles have become strong political symbols and now appear to be veritable extreme-right ‘totems’, to the dismay of those who acquired them with the sole aim of possessing an innovative and ecological vehicle,” GKA said in a statement.

The perception of the Teslas they leased “prevents them from fully enjoying their car”, it said.

Most of the leases run for four years, with an option at the end to buy the vehicle.

Tesla cars in Europe and elsewhere have been targeted by vandals, with some drivers reporting they have been insulted for using what is sometimes called on social media a “swasti-car”.

Several owners have taken to putting stickers on their Teslas reading “I bought this before Elon went crazy”.

“The situation is both unexpected and impossible for French Tesla owners,” Klugman told AFP.

“Musk’s political positions have interrupted enjoyment” of the vehicles, and “we believe that Mr Musk owes these buyers the peaceful possession of the thing sold”, he said.

Contacted by AFP for comment, Tesla did not immediately respond.

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