Microsoft has announced 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, announced it during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos on Wednesday.
“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.
The initiative will equip Nigerians with AI skills to help them build solutions, establish businesses, and compete globally.
Williams said the investment is part of Microsoft’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to the right skills required not just to use AI but to build solutions on AI.
“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 comes on the heels of a partnership between the federal government and Google to advance AI and digital innovation in the country.
The presidency described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and expressed commitment to ensuring technological transformation translates into real benefits for businesses and citizens.
Partnership with Google to Boost Digital Innovation
The program aligns with Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, which aims to equip 70% of the young workforce with AI-related skills.
Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative will provide essential AI training in collaboration with the Nigerian government. The investment is designed to bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the digital future.
“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,” Williams said.
The program will support various skilling programs, with a strong focus on AI, digital literacy, and cybersecurity training, particularly for youth and women. It should also expand Microsoft’s existing skilling resources, ensuring that Nigerian citizens, developers, and business leaders can leverage AI and cloud technologies effectively.
By 2026, Microsoft wants to reach one million Nigerians, including business leaders and senior executives in the public sector. to boost economic growth, drive industrialization, foster technological advancement, and invest in digital enterprises.
“The launch of this AI skilling initiative is not just about individual advancement; it’s about uplifting entire communities. By democratizing access to AI education, we are creating a more inclusive digital future,” Williams emphasized.
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