The African Technology Forum (ATF) has announced a $1 million funding support from Google.org to expand its flagship AI development initiative across Africa.
The investment will support the growth of the ATF AI Challenge, a programme aimed at building one of the continent’s largest artificial intelligence talent pipelines by training over 10,000 university students and young professionals across Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa over the next two years.
According to ATF, the initiative is designed to bridge Africa’s growing AI skills gap by creating a direct pathway from learning to employment. The programme will feature a three-stage process consisting of a free virtual AI school, a competitive AI challenge focused on solving real-world problems, and demo sessions where selected teams pitch their innovations to employers, investors and institutional partners.
Co-Founder of ATF, Mawuli Tse, described the partnership as a major opportunity to position African youth at the forefront of global AI innovation.
“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,” he stated.
He further stressed that the initiative goes beyond theoretical learning by creating direct career and innovation opportunities for young Africans.
“We are moving beyond theory. 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 added.
Founded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1988, the African Technology Forum has spent decades promoting technology advancement across the continent.
The expansion follows successful pilot programmes in Ghana and Nigeria, which reportedly produced 14 AI-driven solutions with potential application in sectors including healthcare and institutional services.
The next phase of the programme will focus heavily on developing AI solutions across health, agriculture, education and finance.
Head of Google.org, Liza Ateh, also expressed support for the initiative, stating: “We are proud to support the African Technology Forum’s visionary approach to building a diverse and equitable AI ecosystem.”
This 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. The ATF AI Challenge is actively seeking university and corporate partners to join its mission. The first cohort of the AI School is scheduled to launch in Q2 2026. About the African Technology Forum (ATF): Founded at MIT in 1988, the African Technology Forum is the enduring architect of Africa’s tech talent. With a 37-year history, ATF connects the continent’s brightest minds to its most pressing challenges, providing the skills, resources, and connections that turn ambitious students into Africa’s next generation of technology leaders. About Google.org: Google.org applies Google’s innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone. Media Contact: Samuel Alomenu, Lead Coordinator, African Technology Forum, [email protected], +233242549545, www.africantechnologyforum.org
