In a significant move to accelerate Nigeria’s participation in the global AI economy, a new initiative will equip up to 1,000 local developers with critical generative AI skills. The "Build with AI" program, a collaboration between Google and GOMYCODE, was launched today to foster a new generation of tech talent capable of building transformative products that are both locally relevant and globally competitive.
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment as industries across Nigeria and Africa increasingly look to technology to solve pressing challenges and drive economic growth. By providing access to advanced AI tools like Gemini and a curriculum with oversight from Google's experts, the program is set to bridge the gap between raw talent and the specialized skills required to innovate in the AI era.
This strategic focus is intended to accelerate the development of solutions in key sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and agritech, positioning Nigerian developers at the forefront of the continent's digital transformation.
"We are witnessing a technological renaissance in Nigeria, driven by a vibrant community of developers who are eager to solve the challenges around them," said John Kimani, Head of Developer Ecosystem for Google in Sub-Saharan Africa.
"Our collaboration with GOMYCODE is about more than just training; it's about empowering this community with the tools and expertise they need to build the future.
"By equipping them with Google's generative AI, we are helping to unlock a new frontier of innovation that can deliver significant economic and social impact across the continent."
The 11-week program will be delivered through GOMYCODE's extensive network of hackerspaces, combining in-person instruction with hands-on, mentored lab work. This approach ensures that the training is both accessible and practical, allowing developers to immediately apply their learning to real-world projects.
Babatunde Olaifa, Country Director for GOMYCODE, commented, "Our role is to provide the critical infrastructure and local expertise needed to nurture Nigeria's tech talent. Partnering with Google allows us to bring world-class curriculum and technology directly to our developer community.
We are creating an environment where innovation can thrive, and we are incredibly excited to see the solutions that will emerge from this program, built by Nigerians, for Nigeria and the world."
The "Build with AI" program is now accepting applications from developers across Nigeria. The initiative will culminate in a demo day where top participants will showcase their AI-powered solutions to a team from Google and other industry leaders.
Developers interested in being part of the AI revolution can apply by visiting bit.ly/BwAIDevTraining.
