Google has launched a free digital learning platform that allows Nigerians and other Africans to acquire artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital skills without needing continuous internet access, as part of its plan to train three million Africans by 2030.
The platform, known as Skilling Africa with Google, is expected to produce 250,000 graduates by the end of 2026, providing training in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data analytics. Google Africa Managing Director, Alex Okosi, announced the initiative, saying it would expand access to digital education and prepare more Africans to participate in the growing digital economy.
The Communications and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, disclosed the launch in a statement on Monday.
Okosi said Africa had a significant opportunity to shape the future of artificial intelligence but needed more people equipped with the skills to develop, use and innovate with the technology.
He said the initiative would build on Google’s previous digital training efforts, through which more than seven million young Africans had completed foundational digital skills programmes.
He explained that Skilling Africa with Google brought together more than 15 training programmes covering different areas of digital learning, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, digital marketing and small business development.
According to him, the platform was designed to address challenges faced by learners with limited internet access and high mobile data costs.
“Users can download lessons through Wi-Fi and subsequently access the learning materials offline without incurring additional mobile data costs,” he said.
Okosi added that the platform could run on entry-level smartphones and laptops without requiring users to download a separate application.
The learning platform also features Google’s Hustle Academy, which provides business training for small business owners, and Google Career Certificates for individuals seeking careers in data analytics, IT support and cybersecurity.
It also includes Google Cloud Skills programmes for developers looking to improve their technical knowledge and expertise.
Okosi said the platform featured SCOUT, an artificial intelligence-powered study companion designed to support learners throughout their training.
He explained that SCOUT could help users understand unfamiliar topics, answer questions and organise their study schedules.
Learners can also track their progress and earn verifiable badges after completing courses, which they can present to prospective employers or clients as evidence of their skills.
The platform currently supports English, Swahili and Arabic, with additional African languages, including Hausa, being introduced.
Okosi said the initiative was free and open to students, job seekers, entrepreneurs and developers across Africa.
Interested learners can access the platform through skillingafrica.withgoogle.com.
