Google launches free offline AI and digital skills platform for Nigerians

Google has launched a free digital learning platform that allows Nigerians and other Africans to download AI and digital courses over Wi‑Fi and then access them offline. The service, called Skilling Africa with Google, is aimed at students, job seekers, entrepreneurs and developers across the continent.

Taiwo Kola‑Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Relations Manager for West Africa, announced the platform on Monday. Managing Director for Africa Alex Okosi said the initiative is meant to reach people who struggle with limited connectivity and high data costs.

Skilling Africa with Google targets 250,000 graduates by the end of 2026. It bundles more than 15 programmes covering AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, digital marketing and small business development. Learners can download material over Wi‑Fi, store it on entry‑level smartphones or laptops and study later without extra data charges. The hub does not need a separate app and supports English, Swahili and Arabic, with Hausa and other African languages to be added.

Users can track progress and earn verifiable badges after completing courses, which can be shown to employers or clients. Okosi noted that earlier Google training programmes have already seen more than seven million young Africans complete foundational digital skills courses. Interested users can access the hub at skillingafrica.withgoogle.com.

The launch follows Google’s August 2025 Build with AI programme that trained 1,000 Nigerian developers in generative AI through a partnership with GOMYCODE. The offline hub adds to public and private sector efforts to broaden digital education and equip Nigerians with skills for the evolving technology economy.