TLDR: Google has launched the ‘Build with AI’ initiative in Nigeria, aiming to train 1,000 developers in generative artificial intelligence. This 11-week program, in partnership with GOMYCODE, seeks to equip participants with skills to create innovative solutions for local and global challenges, particularly in sectors like fintech, healthtech, and agritech.
Google has officially rolled out its ‘Build with AI’ initiative in Nigeria, a significant program designed to empower 1,000 Nigerian developers with advanced skills in generative artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic move, announced on August 13, 2025, underscores Google’s commitment to fostering technological growth and innovation within the West African nation.
The initiative is a collaborative effort with GOMYCODE, a prominent technology training and education firm known for its focus on equipping individuals with in-demand digital skills. The primary objective of the ‘Build with AI’ program is to enable participants to develop innovative, locally relevant, and globally competitive solutions, addressing critical challenges across various sectors.
John Kimani, Head of Developer Ecosystem for Google in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the timely nature of this program. ‘We are witnessing a technological renaissance in Nigeria, driven by a vibrant community of developers who are eager to solve the challenges around them,’ Kimani stated. He further described the initiative as a ‘significant step to accelerate Nigeria’s participation in the global AI economy.’ The program is particularly crucial as industries across Nigeria and the broader African continent increasingly leverage technology to tackle pressing issues and stimulate economic expansion.
The curriculum will provide developers with access to cutting-edge AI tools, including Gemini, and will be guided by experts from Google. This approach is designed to bridge the existing skills gap, transforming raw talent into specialized knowledge essential for the AI era. The training will specifically target the development of solutions in high-impact sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and agritech, positioning Nigerian developers at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.
The ‘Build with AI’ program spans 11 weeks and will be delivered through GOMYCODE’s extensive network of hacker spaces. The methodology combines in-person teaching with mentored, hands-on lab work, ensuring that the training is both accessible and practical. This blended learning approach allows developers to immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world projects.
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Babatunde Olaifa, Country Director for GOMYCODE, affirmed his organization’s role in the partnership, stating that GOMYCODE would ‘provide the infrastructure and local expertise to help Nigerian tech talent thrive.’ This collaboration is expected to significantly bolster Nigeria’s digital economy and reinforce its position as a hub for technological innovation in Africa.
