Google has set a target of equipping three million people across Africa with digital and artificial intelligence skills by 2030, as the technology company seeks to address the growing shortage of skilled workers needed to support the continent’s digital economy.

The company announced the target on Monday alongside the launch of Skilling Africa with Google, a free online learning hub that brings together more than 15 of its digital training programmes in one platform.

The initiative, which is accessible to Nigerians and other Africans, offers courses in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and small business development.

The platform consolidates existing programmes, including Hustle Academy for small business owners, Google Career Certificates for people seeking careers in data analytics, IT support and cybersecurity, and Google Cloud Skills for developers.

Google said the platform was designed to accommodate varying levels of internet connectivity and device affordability across Africa, allowing users to download lessons over Wi-Fi and complete them offline without consuming additional mobile data.

It also features an artificial intelligence study companion, SCOUT, which helps learners understand unfamiliar concepts, answer questions and organise their learning schedules.

The platform tracks learners’ progress through visual skill trees and awards verifiable badges upon course completion, which users can present to prospective employers and clients.

The launch comes amid growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing expertise across Africa, where more than 90 per cent of employers reportedly face difficulties finding workers with practical skills in the areas.

Google said Africa could unlock an estimated $2.9tn economic opportunity from artificial intelligence, but achieving the potential would require investments in human capital and access to relevant technical training.

The company is targeting 250,000 graduates by the end of 2026 as its first milestone towards the broader 2030 objective.

Commenting on the initiative, Managing Director of Google Africa, Alex Okosi, said the continent had an opportunity to shape the future of artificial intelligence but needed a skilled workforce to participate in the emerging economy.

“Africa has a significant opportunity to shape the future of AI, but unlocking that opportunity will require people with the skills to build, use, and innovate with these technologies,” he said.

Okosi added that the platform would bring Google’s training programmes together to make digital and artificial intelligence education more accessible across the continent.

The initiative builds on Google’s previous digital skills programmes, through which more than seven million young Africans have completed foundational digital training.

Students, job seekers, entrepreneurs and developers can access Skilling Africa with Google at no cost through its online platform, without needing to download an application.