ABUJA (Reuters) – Google is planning to train 20,000 women and youth in Nigeria in digital skills, while also providing a grant of 1.2 billion naira ($1.6 million) to support the government’s aim of creating one million digital jobs in the country. The announcement was made by Google Africa executives during a meeting in Abuja with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed Nigeria’s goal of generating digital employment opportunities for its large youth population to the Google Africa executives. However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the creation of these jobs.
The programme will be facilitated by a grant from Google’s philanthropic arm, in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa.
Shettima highlighted that Google’s initiative is aligned with the government’s commitment to increase youth participation in the digital economy. Additionally, the government is working with banks in the country to support this project.
Olumide Balogun, Google director for West Africa, stated that the company will commit funds and provide digital skills to Nigerian women and young people. This effort also aims to foster the growth of startups, which will facilitate job creation.
During the meeting, Charles Murito, Google Africa’s director of government relations and public policy, emphasized that Google is dedicated to investing in digital infrastructure across Africa. He further highlighted that digital transformation can serve as an enabler for job opportunities.
The current exchange rate is $1 = 759.00 naira.
Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Josie Kao.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
