Google Offers Free AI Pro Access to Nigerian Students 

Google will give university students in Nigeria and seven other African countries a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan, part of a broader effort to equip young people for an AI-driven economy.

The roll-out covers students aged 18 and above who are enrolled in higher-education institutions in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.

Beneficiaries will get access to advanced tools such as Deep Research, which compiles research reports from hundreds of sources, and Gemini 2.5 Pro, designed to help with academic writing and coursework.

“This initiative aligns with our goal of building digital competencies across Africa,” said Alex Okosi, Google’s Managing Director for Africa. ‘Africa’s digital economy holds immense potential, powered by the talent and ingenuity of its next generation. Today’s announcements, spanning AI education, advanced tools for students, and expanded connectivity, represent a unified investment in the continent’s upward trajectory.”

Google says more than seven million Africans have received digital-skills training through its programmes, with three million more targeted by 2030. Over the past four years, the company reports providing $17 million in funding, curriculum support, training, and access to AI models for African universities and research institutions, with a further $9 million planned in the coming year.

Alongside the education drive, Google announced four new subsea cable hubs to improve connectivity across Africa’s north, south, east, and west, creating fresh digital corridors to the rest of the world. 

The expansion builds on Africa Connect, which includes the Equiano subsea cable along the west coast and the Umoja fibre route linking Kenya to Australia. Google estimates Equiano will add $11.1 billion to Nigeria’s GDP in 2025, $5.8 billion to South Africa, and $290 million to Namibia.

Since a $1 billion Africa commitment in 2021, Google says it has trained millions in digital skills, supported 153 startups that have raised more than $300 million, and extended internet access to over 100 million people. In July, it also unveiled a $37 million package for AI research, infrastructure, and talent development on the continent.

With the AI Pro subscriptions and new infrastructure projects, Google says it is deepening support so African students and institutions can access modern AI tools and more reliable connectivity.