Tech giant Google has announced a $7 million (approx. Ksh.904 million) funding boost for artificial intelligence (AI) education and research across Africa, with Kenya named among the major beneficiaries alongside Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana.
This investment is part of a broader $37 million (Ksh.4.8 billion) commitment aimed at accelerating AI development across the continent, especially in education, cybersecurity, and local language technologies.
In Kenya, the funding will support academic institutions and non-profit organisations that are developing localized AI curricula, offering training in digital safety, and expanding access to cybersecurity education. The initiative is expected to equip Kenyan students, developers, and researchers with skills in critical fields such as data science, machine learning, and responsible AI use.
“Kenya’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in Nairobi, positions it as a vital player in Africa’s AI transformation,” said James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, and Technology & Society. “We are committed to supporting innovation that is locally grounded and globally relevant.”
The move marks a significant vote of confidence in Kenya’s AI potential, as the country continues to rise as a regional tech hub. This latest support is set to turbocharge ongoing efforts in AI research and workforce development.
In addition to the educational funding, Google is also rolling out several other pan-African AI initiatives:
- A $25 million (Ksh.3.2 billion) grant for AI-driven food security solutions.
- A $3 million (Ksh.388 million) contribution to the Masakhane Research Foundation, which advances natural language processing for over 40 African languages.
- The launch of Africa’s first AI Community Centre in Accra, Ghana, which will host training, workshops, and collaborative projects on AI for social good, the arts, and technology.
The AI Community Centre will anchor Google’s four-pronged approach to African AI development: AI literacy, community technology, social impact, and cultural expression.
“This new wave of support reflects our belief in the talent, creativity, and ingenuity across the continent,” said Yossi Matias, Vice President of Engineering and Research at Google. “By building with local communities and institutions, we’re supporting solutions that are rooted in Africa’s realities and built for global impact.”
As the global AI race accelerates, Google’s investment signals a strategic shift: recognizing Africa not just as a consumer of AI technologies, but as a contributor to its development. For Kenya, it’s an opportunity to leap forward creating knowledge, jobs, and innovations that reflect its unique challenges and aspirations.
