The question, “Which country has the best jollof rice?” may seem out of place at a tech event, but it perfectly set the tone for a vibrant showcase in Lagos. This was during Google’s annual event aimed at unveiling new features and initiatives tailored for Nigeria and the broader African market.
With Nigeria’s population of over 180 million, the country has become a focal point for the tech giant’s expansion efforts in the Global South. Here’s a recap of the highlights and announcements.
Pioneering Artificial Intelligence for Africa
A major achievement in the last year was the establishment of Google’s Artificial Intelligence Center in Africa. Operational since April, the center is led by a diverse team of researchers and engineers who aim to adapt AI to address challenges specific to the continent.
The head of the center emphasized that AI’s potential applications span sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education, offering tools to address real-world problems faced by Africans daily.
Empowering Startups and Youth
Google’s commitment to fostering innovation was evident with its $4 million fund targeting startups that promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and the future of work. Among the beneficiaries is a health-tech company providing clean birth kits to rural communities.
Additionally, a training initiative for startups has already seen 35 companies graduate, resulting in the creation of 385 jobs and raising over $19 million in investments. The organization has also partnered with local authorities to introduce an online safety curriculum for schoolchildren, aiming to reach 56 million students nationwide.
Revamping Apps for Nigerian Users
To better serve local needs, Google introduced a series of updates to its popular apps:
Maps: Enhancements include a Nigerian voice for navigation and new features catering to Lagos commuters. Options for popular transportation modes like okadas and danfos will provide estimated fares, travel times, and photos of bus stops. The feature is set to expand to other African countries.
Street View: Originally limited to Lagos, this feature now covers major cities like Abuja, Enugu, Ibadan, and Benin City, offering a detailed view of streets across Nigeria.
Bolo and Lens: Bolo helps children learn to read with voice assistance, while Lens allows users to translate text in images into local languages, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
Gallery Go: This lightweight app helps users manage and edit photos offline, catering to regions with limited internet connectivity.
Big Bets on Entertainment
As digital content gains momentum in Africa, Google is investing in the region’s entertainment industry. Its music initiatives aim to make the company a leading contributor to artist revenues by 2025. Partnering with a renowned Nigerian artist, it will mentor and promote emerging musicians through a local incubator program.
The event ended on a lively note, with surprise performances that left attendees reflecting on the vibrant fusion of technology, culture, and local insights. While questions about jollof rice supremacy remain unresolved, one thing was clear—Google is firmly invested in Africa’s digital future.
