Set to roll out first in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, the program focuses on students aged 18+. Those selected will gain access to cutting-edge AI platforms, including Deep Research for tailored reports and Gemini 2.5 Pro for academic and writing support.
Google, in a statement, said the new initiative is designed to equip Africa’s youth with cutting-edge digital skills and prepare them for an AI-powered future. Google, in a statement on Thursday, said the new initiative is designed to equip Africa’s youth with cutting-edge digital skills and prepare them for an AI-powered future.
The company noted that over seven million Africans have already benefited from its digital skills training, with another three million expected to be reached by 2030.
In the past four years, Google has also invested more than $17 million in African universities and research institutions, providing funding, curriculum resources, training, and access to advanced AI models. A further $9 million is planned for the coming year.
In addition to free AI subscriptions, Google announced four new subsea cable hubs—covering northern, southern, eastern, and western Africa—that will strengthen digital links across the continent and improve global connectivity.
These efforts build on Google’s Africa Connect program, which includes the Equiano subsea cable running along Africa’s western coast and the Umoja fiber line connecting Kenya to Australia. The company projects that the Equiano cable alone will boost Nigeria’s GDP by $11.1 billion in 2025, alongside $5.8 billion in South Africa and $290 million in Namibia.
Google’s Managing Director for Africa, Alex Okosi, described the new investments as part of a broader strategy to nurture the continent’s future leaders.
“Africa’s digital economy has huge potential, driven by the talent and creativity of its young people. Today’s announcements—spanning AI education, advanced tools for students, and enhanced connectivity—are a unified investment in the continent’s growth,” he said.
Since pledging $1 billion to Africa in 2021, Google has trained millions in digital skills, supported 153 startups that went on to raise more than $300 million, and expanded internet access to over 100 million people.
In July, the company also revealed a $37 million initiative to accelerate the growth and responsible use of AI across Africa. This funding, which includes new commitments, is being directed into AI research, infrastructure, talent development, and practical solutions to some of the continent’s toughest challenges.
With its latest announcements, Google says it is doubling down on making AI tools and connectivity more widely accessible to Africa’s youth.
