Google has announced a $37 million investment to advance artificial intelligence (AI) development across Africa. The announcement includes the launch of Africa’s first AI Community Center in Accra, Ghana.
At the core of the announcement is the AI Collaborative for Food Security, a $25 million initiative by Google.org. The program brings together researchers, non-profits, and tech experts to co-create AI solutions for hunger forecasting, crop resilience, and farmer support. The aim is to make of making Africa’s food systems more adaptive to climate and economic shocks.
Preserving and Advancing African Languages
In a push to make AI and digital content more inclusive, Google is directing $3 million to the Masakhane Research Foundation, an open-source collective working on AI tools in over 40 African languages. The funding will help with the development of high-quality datasets, translation models, and speech tools. These will help Africans access digital services in their native languages.
Google is also rolling out a catalytic funding initiative targeting early-stage African startups building AI-powered solutions. It is targeting sectors such as agriculture, education, and healthcare. The program will blend philanthropic support, venture capital, and technical mentorship. The goal is to help more than 100 startups scale responsibly.
Participating startups will gain access to Google’s technical resources, product support, and guidance on responsible AI development.
Introducing the AI Community Center in Accra
Google is also launching the AI Community Center in Accra, the first space of its kind dedicated to AI collaboration and experimentation in Africa. The facility will host training sessions, workshops, and community events under four key pillars:
- AI Literacy
- Community Technology
- Social Impact
- Arts and Culture
Strengthening AI and Digital Skills Education
Google also plans to offer 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships to students in Ghana. These will be in key courses in AI Essentials, Prompt Engineering, IT Support, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity.
In addition, $7 million is being committed to support AI and online safety education across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. The funding will go toward building localized AI curricula and supporting nonprofit efforts in digital literacy.
“Africa is home to some of the most important and inspiring work in AI today. We are committed to supporting the next wave of innovation through long-term investment, local partnerships, and platforms that help researchers and entrepreneurs build solutions that matter,” Yossi Matias, VP of Engineering and Research at Google, added. “By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”
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Also Read: Google Selects 15 Startups for Africa Accelerator Class 9
