Microsoft Nigeria has unveiled a $1 million initiative to train one million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) over the next two years.
Ola Williams, country manager for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, made the announcement on Wednesday during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos.
“I am so delighted to announce that as Microsoft in Nigeria, we will be investing one million dollars in the next two years to empower one million Nigerians with AI tools,” Williams said.
She explained that the initiative is designed to equip Nigerians with AI skills to develop solutions, establish businesses and compete on a global scale.
“This is a significant investment in our drive to ensure that everyone has access to the right skills required not just to use AI but to build solutions on AI, build businesses on AI that will be a sustainable means of livelihood for Nigerians and give Nigerian youths the opportunity to compete globally with their counterparts,” she added.
The announcement follows a recent partnership between the Nigerian Government and Google aimed at advancing AI and digital innovation in Nigeria.
Describing the initiative as a “historic moment” for Microsoft in Nigeria, Williams highlighted the presence of Microsoft’s African leadership as a testament to the significance of the programme.
“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.
The AI skilling programme is designed for leaders, developers, young professionals, and government officials. Williams noted that Microsoft will continue working with stakeholders to ensure widespread access to the training platform.
“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.
Microsoft’s investment aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to drive digital transformation and position itself as a leader in Africa’s tech-driven economy.
In her remarks, the President of Microsoft Africa, Lillian Barnard, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing the significance of AI’s expansion 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. Microsoft has operated in Africa for over 30 years, but it was only two years ago that the company unified the continent under a single leadership team.
Barnard described this move as “super significant,” allowing Microsoft to align its Africa strategy with its global mission of empowering individuals and organizations through technology.
“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.
Microsoft is committed to partnering with governments, businesses, and individuals to integrate AI across various sectors, particularly in Nigeria’s thriving financial services industry.
The company has already launched similar AI skilling programmes in South Africa as part of its AI Tour, underscoring its long-term investment in African talent development.
Barnard noted that Microsoft’s approach to digital education has evolved, shifting from basic digital literacy to advanced technical skills.
GIK/APA