Google launches free offline skills platform

LAGOS, Nigeria — Google has launched a free digital learning platform that lets Nigerians and other Africans learn artificial intelligence and other digital skills without an active internet connection. The initiative, called Skilling Africa with Google, is part of a wider goal to train three million people across the continent by 2030.

The company announced the launch in a statement on Monday, November 2, 2026. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Relations Manager for West Africa, issued the statement. Alex Okosi, Google’s Managing Director for Africa, said Africa has a significant opportunity to shape the future of artificial intelligence, but needs more people able to develop, use and innovate with the technology.

The programme targets 250,000 graduates by the end of 2026. It brings together more than 15 existing Google training programmes covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, digital marketing and small business development.

Learners can download lessons over Wi-Fi and then study them offline, without using mobile data. Okosi said the design is meant for Africans with limited internet access and high data costs. The platform works on entry-level smartphones and laptops and does not require a separate app.

The learning hub includes Google’s Hustle Academy, which offers business training for small business owners, and Google Career Certificates, which cover fields such as data analytics, IT support and cybersecurity. Google Cloud skills programmes are available to developers who want to build technical expertise.

The platform also includes SCOUT, an artificial intelligence study companion that helps learners understand difficult concepts, answer questions and plan their study schedules. Learners who complete courses can earn verifiable badges to show employers or clients.

The platform currently supports English, Swahili and Arabic. Okosi said more African languages are being introduced, including Hausa. The programme is free and open to students, job seekers, entrepreneurs and developers across the continent. Learners can access it at skillingafrica.withgoogle.com.

Okosi said the initiative builds on earlier Google training efforts, through which more than seven million young Africans have completed foundational digital skills programmes.

Similar efforts are under way in Nigeria. The Federal Government has partnered with Coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy, which targets 36,000 Nigerian youths for training in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing and software engineering. Google’s Build with AI programme, launched in August 2025, trained 1,000 Nigerian developers in generative artificial intelligence skills.