Google has announced a $2.85 million (R49m) funding through Google.org to support AI skills development, education, online safety and cybersecurity in South Africa.
The announcement was made at AI Expo Africa, the continent’s largest business-focused artificial intelligence and smart technology event, which brings together thousands of enterprise buyers, suppliers and innovators each year.
The funding builds on Google’s AI skilling work announced earlier this year and focuses on expanding the country’s AI talent pipeline while strengthening community safety through support for leading non-profit organisations and academic institutions.
Kabelo Makwane, Country Director for Google South Africa, said the funding reflects a long-term commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation. “This is about building capacity where it matters most, in our classrooms, our communities and our innovation spaces,” he said.
“By backing organisations who are already doing impactful work, we can help develop the skills and resilience needed to build a more secure and inclusive digital future.”
A large part of the funding focuses on advanced AI education at university level. FATE Foundation and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences have received $1.5m to embed Google DeepMind’s AI Research Foundations Curriculum into universities across South Africa. This initiative will give students and lecturers the skills and knowledge they need to drive innovation and research.
In addition, $350,000 will support the African Technology Forum AI Challenge, a programme designed to give young innovators hands-on experience in developing AI solutions for real-world problems in areas such as health and energy. This initiative aims to link students to real career opportunities, funding and networks.
Recognising that innovation must be built on a foundation of trust and safety, Google is also providing online safety and cybersecurity programmes. Junior Achievement Africa, one of the continent’s largest youth economic empowerment organisations, will receive $500,000 to deliver culturally relevant online safety programmes. Using Google’s Be Internet Awesome curriculum, JA Africa will support youth, teachers and caregivers to strengthen digital literacy and online safety awareness across key markets.
Another $500,000 will go to the CyberSafe Foundation, which works to democratise access to cybersecurity and AI education. The funding will be used to provide training, technical support and critical security services to help protect community organisations from growing digital threats.
“AI has extraordinary potential to transform economies, but the real power lies in ensuring more people can participate and benefit,” Makwane said. “By supporting trusted organisations across education and civil society, we can help build an AI ecosystem in South Africa that is inclusive, secure and globally competitive.”
