In an effort to promote digital innovation and economic empowerment, Microsoft has revealed plans to invest $1 million over the next two years to help one million Nigerians enhance their artificial intelligence skills.
Ola Williams, Microsoft’s Nigerian Country Manager, revealed this information on Wednesday during the Microsoft AI Tour’s Lagos kickoff.
“This is a strategic investment to ensure that Nigerians have access to the critical skills needed not just to use AI but to develop cutting-edge solutions and build AI-driven businesses that provide sustainable livelihoods,” Williams said.
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She underlined that by giving people the know-how to use AI for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic competitiveness, the program aims to establish Nigeria as a major participant in the global AI ecosystem.
Williams called the program a “historic moment” for Microsoft in Nigeria and cited the participation of Microsoft’s African leadership as evidence of its importance.
“Their presence underscores the importance of this initiative and reflects our leaders’ level of commitment. It also demonstrates Microsoft’s confidence in Nigeria and AI’s potential to transform lives, businesses, startups, and enterprises,” she added.
Nigerians who are eligible for Microsoft’s AI training
The AI skilling program is intended for government officials, developers, leaders, and young people.
According to Williams, Microsoft will keep collaborating with interested parties to guarantee that the training platform is widely accessible.
“We will continue to partner with stakeholders to ensure that this skilling platform remains accessible to everyone eager to take advantage of it,” she said.
Nigeria’s larger initiatives to promote digital transformation and establish itself as a leader in Africa’s tech-driven economy are in line with Microsoft’s investment.
Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, was excited about the effort and emphasised the importance of AI’s growth in Nigeria.
“I am personally excited about bringing AI to Nigeria. We’ve seen AI adoption growing globally, but it’s critical to focus on Africa, which is my area of responsibility. Our key markets—Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya—are central to this effort,” Barnard said.
Although Microsoft has been doing business in Africa for more than 30 years, the company just brought the continent together under a single executive team two years ago.
In what Barnard called a “super significant” move, Microsoft was able to integrate its Africa strategy with its global objective of using technology to empower people and organisations.
“Our vision for Africa is centred on driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth by leveraging Microsoft’s technology to create new opportunities. During the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital transformation era, Africa participated, but not in a bold way. Now, with the Fifth Industrial Revolution—centred on AI—we see a chance to accelerate our progress,” she added.
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Microsoft’s dedication to partner with stakeholders
Microsoft is dedicated to collaborating with governments, corporations, and individuals to apply AI in a variety of fields, especially the booming financial services sector in Nigeria.
As part of its AI Tour, the company has already started comparable AI skilling initiatives in South Africa, demonstrating its sustained commitment to developing African talent.
According to Barnard, Microsoft’s strategy for digital education has changed over time, moving from fundamental digital literacy to highly skilled technical abilities.
“Now, our skilling efforts are centred on AI, given the rising demand for AI-related jobs. Many of these positions remain unfilled due to a lack of skilled professionals, and it is crucial that we equip Africa’s youth with the right tools to seize these opportunities,” she said.
Microsoft’s approach consists of partnerships with top industry players, infrastructure investments, and AI skilling.
“There is a lot of exciting work happening in Nigeria, especially in the financial services sector. We are working closely with banks and other partners to harness AI’s potential. I am excited about Nigeria’s contributions to the broader African AI narrative and how our local team will help lead this transformation,” Barnard concluded.