The African Technology Forum (ATF) has received $1 million from Google.org, the charitable arm of Google to scale its flagship AI initiative and accelerate talent development in four African countries.
ATF made the announcement in a statement obtained by AljazirahNigeria. According to the statement, the programme is to build the capacity of 10,000 students and young professionals in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa over the next two years.
ATF emphasised that the programme would bridge Africa’s growing AI skills gap by setting up a clear route that takes learners from training straight into real jobs.
The technology forum added that the programme will unfold in three main stages: a free virtual AI school, a competitive team-based challenge, and demo days where finalists pitch their innovations to employers and investors.
Co-founder of ATF, Mawuli Tse, said the organisation is working to build a pipeline that moves Africans from early-stage learning straight into employment.
“Africa’s greatest resource is its human talent. This funding from Google.org allows us to build the pipeline that will ensure this generation doesn’t just consume AI but builds it.
“We are guiding 10,000 young innovators on a complete journey: mastering foundational AI skills, building tangible solutions to Africa’s challenges, and connecting directly with their future employers. This is about creating jobs and seeding the next wave of African innovation,” he said.
The institution which was founded at MIT in 1988, said the programme is being expanded after pilots in Ghana and Nigeria delivered 14 AI solutions with potential uptake in hospitals and other organisations. The new phase will centre on health, agriculture, education and finance.
The ATF stated that it is inviting universities and companies to participate, with the first AI School cohort set to launch in Q2 2026.
Head of Google.org, Liza Ateh, described the initiative as a move to strengthen and diversify Africa’s AI ecosystem.
She said, “We are proud to support the African Technology Forum’s visionary approach to building a diverse and equitable AI ecosystem.”
“The initiative will provide young innovators with practical, hands-on experience building AI-powered solutions for local problems, connecting them with tangible career and funding opportunities,” she added.
Founded in 2005, Google.org uses a blend of funding, innovative technology, and technical expertise to support nonprofit organisations that are tackling major global challenges.
