Microsoft Invests $1m To Train One Million Nigerians On AI Skills

In support of Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, which aims to equip 70 percent of its young workforce with AI-related skills, Microsoft on Wednesday announced a $1 million skilling investment through the Microsoft AI Skilling Initiative, in collaboration with the Nigerian Government, which will provide in-demand AI skills training for 1 million Nigerians.
“At Microsoft, we believe that AI has the potential to transform economies and societies. Our commitment to enhancing AI skills in Nigeria is a testament to our dedication to empowering individuals and organisations to achieve more.

By investing in digital skills training and collaborating with the Nigerian government, we aim to create a future-ready workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth in the country,” says Ola Williams, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana.

This comprehensive strategic initiative to enhance AI skills in Nigeria is a significant investment that showcases Microsoft’s commitment to advancing digital skills and AI capabilities in Nigeria. The investment will support various skilling programmes, including digital, AI, and cybersecurity skills training for youth and women.
One million Nigerians will receive sought-after skills for employability.
The AI Skilling Initiative investment will expand Microsoft’s skilling programmes to reach one million Nigerians by 2026, including business leaders and senior executives in the public sector.

The investment aligns with the Nigerian government’s national priorities to boost economic growth, promote social development and inclusion, drive industrialisation, foster technological advancement, and invest in digital and creative enterprises. This investment will further leverage increased access to Microsoft’s skilling resources for Nigerian
citizens, developers and business leaders, with the goal of expanding AI and cloud adoption in the country.

“The launch of this AI skilling initiative for Nigeria is not just about individual advancement, but more importantly about uplifting entire communities. We believe that by democratising access to AI education we are creating a more equitable digital future for all,” says Williams.

Microsoft began its investment in skills development in Nigeria in 2021 in partnership with the Government ofNigeria to upskill Nigerians via the 3MTT platform. By the start of 2024, four million Nigerians had interacted with the platform. Collaboration between Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation has successfully implemented programmes with a keen focus on AI, preparing participants for success in the digital economy and setting the foundation for future expansions.

In partnership with Tech4Dev, Microsoft piloted the Nigeria Women Techsters programme, while Microsoft has continued its partnership with MTN Foundation, a nonprofit arm of the leading telecom company in Nigeria, to train SMEs on digital, productivity and cloud skills using the Microsoft Community Training platform and LinkedIn Learning pathways.

Microsoft has also supported the MTN ICT and Business Skills training programme, which impacted over 4 million Nigerians with free tech skilling content.

The AI Tour provides a hands-on experience
The announcement came during the Microsoft AI Tour, a free, in-person one-day event where business leaders, partners, IT professionals, and the developer community come together.

During the AI Tour, attendees learn about the latest advancements in AI technology and how they can be applied to drive innovation and growth in various industries.
The event features presentations and panel discussions with AI experts and industry leaders including senior Microsoft leadership who provide insights into the future of AI and its impact on business and society.

Each stop on the tour also highlights local customer and partner success stories that demonstrate how AI is being used to solve real-world problems and drive business approaches.
For senior business leaders, this is an incredible opportunity to understand how AI can drive growth and innovation within their organisations, while technical practitioners can gain hands-on experience and learn from experts to stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI trends. AI enthusiasts with an interest in the latest AI technologies and their applications are also welcome at the event.

“Harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic vision, but a tangible reality for organisations seeking to achieve exponential growth and optimisation. Microsoft believes that understanding the impact of AI on business goes beyond mere business acumen. Leaders need to be adept at launching, supporting, and evaluating AI initiatives in alignment with strategic business objectives.

The Microsoft AI Tour is an exciting opportunity for business leaders, technical practitioners, and AI enthusiasts to come together and explore the phenomenal potential of this transformative technology,” says Lillian Barnard, President, Microsoft Africa.

Through hosting the AI Tour in Nigeria, and announcing its commitment to ongoing skills development, Microsoft reaffirms its unwavering commitment to empowering Nigeria’s digital future. By fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and enhancing digital skills, Microsoft continues to be a trusted partner in Nigeria’s journey towards a technologically advanced and inclusive society.

Together, Microsoft and its partners, including the Nigerian Government, are shaping the future of AI in Nigeria, unlocking limitless possibilities and creating a brighter tomorrow for all.