Google Invests $5.8 Million To Boost AI Skills In Sub-Saharan Africa - 1

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Google Invests $5.8 Million To Boost AI Skills In Sub-Saharan Africa

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • AI could add $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030.
  • Programs will teach AI skills to workers, teens, and non-profit leaders.
  • Google’s Nairobi and Accra centers drive local AI research and innovation.

Today, Google announced a $5.8 million investment aimed at accelerating AI skills development across Sub-Saharan Africa, intending to equip individuals and organizations with the tools to leverage AI for economic and social impact.

As connectivity continues to expand across Africa, AI presents vast opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Africa’s ongoing digital transformation is opening doors for U.S. exports and services, increasing demand for technology solutions and driving productivity across industries, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce .

Nature recently argued that AI has the potential to transform Africa by addressing local health and economic challenges.

Initiatives like Data Science Nigeria promote AI literacy, enabling youth and professionals to develop tailored solutions, such as a financial advice chatbot for women and AI-driven disease diagnostics for healthcare workers in rural areas, as noted by Nature.

Collaborations between African and international organizations enhance local expertise while focusing on region-specific needs. These efforts empower non-English-speaking populations and improve drug development by considering African genetics, said Nature.

Google’s recent Digital Opportunity of Africa report projects that AI could contribute as much as $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030.

The new funding will support multiple initiatives aimed at providing diverse groups with essential AI skills. These initiatives include programs to teach workers across industries how to use AI tools effectively and to educate teens on AI ethics and safety.

They also aim to help non-profits amplify their impact through foundational AI skills and equip government leaders with AI capabilities for policymaking and public service enhancement. The investment also includes a focus on fostering a responsible understanding of AI among Africa’s youth and community leaders.

Local AI projects like Kenya’s Jacaranda Health, which uses AI to deliver vital care to mothers and newborns via SMS, and AirQo’s air pollution monitoring initiative in Uganda, showcase how AI can address critical regional issues.

Google is supporting AI research at its centers in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, which work on projects like mapping African buildings for urban planning and disaster relief.

Its recently launched Product Development Center in Nairobi is also creating tools tailored to Africa, such as voice search for local languages and low-bandwidth gaming platforms.

Google’s initiatives complement partnerships with governments, non-profits, and educational institutions across Africa. In Nigeria, for example, Google is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to nurture AI talent through technical training and startup support.

As nations establish their own AI policies, the technology is poised to significantly enhance lives across various sectors, fostering a competitive AI ecosystem.

Apple Releases New Mac with M4 And Apple Intelligence - 2

Image courtesy of Apple

Apple Releases New Mac with M4 And Apple Intelligence

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • The new iMac includes chip M4 and Apple Intelligence and will be available on November 8th
  • The price of the new device starts at $1,299 and it comes in 7 colors
  • Apple Intelligence is now available for all users with devices compatible with iOS 18.1,iPad 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.

Apple announced today a new iMac including the new M4 chip and Apple Intelligence, and released the highly anticipated AI advanced technology Apple Intelligence for all users with compatible devices.

According to the press release , the new iMac is 2.1x faster for demanding tasks like gaming and photo editing and 1.7x faster for daily activities. The screen measures 24 inches and incorporates 4.5K Retina display technology. The M4 chip allows the new device to integrate AI features, including Apple Intelligence, and access to ChatGPT.

“With M4 and Apple Intelligence, gorgeous new colors that pop in any space, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, and a new nano-texture glass display option, it’s a whole new era for iMac,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.

The new models—launched in seven colors: silver, blue, green, pink, purple, orange, and yellow—are available for pre-order, and the prices start at $1,299 for its standard model with 16GB of memory. It also includes a 12MP camera with Center Stage technology, which automatically adjusts to keep users in the center of the screen. Apple said the new devices will be available on November 8th.

Last week, Apple released the new iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT integration in beta mode for developers. The upgrade is now available for users with the iPhone 16 models and iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, and iPads and Macs that can upgrade to iPad 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.

“Apple Intelligence introduces a new era for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, delivering brand-new experiences and tools that will transform what our users can accomplish,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO in the press release.

Users with devices compatible with the new technology can now request access in Settings to get added to the waitlist. Users are likely to get access within the same day according to the developer’s previous experience, as reported by CNBC .