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Google.org has allocated $1 million to the African Technology Forum to expand its main ATF AI Challenge and enhance Africa’s artificial intelligence talent development in four nations.

A 37-year-old organization revealed the financial support in a press release, mentioning that it aims to educate over 10,000 university students and young professionals in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa within the next two years.

The ATF mentioned that the program aims to tackle the growing AI skills gap on the continent by providing what it called a “tested, comprehensive route from the classroom to a professional career.” It noted that the initiative will function through a three-step framework: an online AI school available at no cost, a team-focused AI competition, and demo events where top participants showcase their innovations to potential employers and investors.

Co-founder of ATF, Mawuli Tse, mentioned that the organization aims to create an inclusive pathway that transitions Africans from basic education to job opportunities. “Africa’s most valuable asset is its human potential. This support from Google.org enables us to develop the pipeline that will ensure this generation doesn’t just use AI but creates it,” he remarked.

Tse stated, “We are leading 10,000 young creators through an entire process: learning core AI abilities, developing practical solutions for Africa’s issues, and directly linking with their potential employers. This focuses on generating employment and fostering the next generation of African innovation.”

Established at MIT in 1988, ATF revealed that it is broadening its initiative following trials in Ghana and Nigeria, which resulted in 14 AI innovations that could be implemented in hospitals and other organizations. The expansion will focus on solutions within health, agriculture, education, and finance.

The head of Google.org, Liza Ateh, referred to the project as a move towards expanding Africa’s artificial intelligence environment. “We are pleased to back the African Technology Forum’s forward-thinking strategy for creating a varied and fair AI ecosystem,” she mentioned. She further noted that the initiative “will offer young creators real, interactive experience in developing AI-driven solutions for regional challenges, linking them with concrete career and financial prospects.”

The ATF mentioned that it is looking for universities and business entities interested in participating in the initiative. The initial group of the AI School is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).