Microsoft announced a $1 million investment to provide AI training for 1 million Nigerians during the AI Tour in Lagos. This initiative supports Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, with a focus on economic growth and social development. Microsoft aims to foster a future-ready workforce capable of leveraging AI technologies, potentially boosting Nigeria’s GDP significantly by 2030.
Microsoft has committed $1 million towards enhancing AI skills among one million Nigerians as part of its strategy to foster economic growth through digital skill development. This announcement was made during the Microsoft AI Tour held in Lagos, which aims to underscore AI’s transformative impact on industries and the workforce in Nigeria and across Africa.
The investment aligns with Nigeria’s ambitious National AI Strategy, focusing on equipping the youth with essential AI-related skills to bolster the economy. Nigeria’s AI market is expected to see a growth rate of 27.08% annually from 2025 to 2030, potentially contributing $15 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030.
Ola Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, expressed, “At Microsoft, we believe that AI has the potential to transform economies and societies… By investing in digital skills training, we aim to create a future-ready workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth in the country.”
The AI Skilling Initiative aims to reach one million Nigerians, encompassing business leaders and public sector executives to promote economic and social development. This investment supports ongoing programs in digital, AI, and cybersecurity training, especially targeting women and youth.
Microsoft’s initiatives began in 2021, collaborating with the Nigerian Government to enhance skills development through platforms such as 3MTT. By early 2024, four million Nigerians had engaged with these programs, laying the groundwork for future expansions in the digital economy.
The Microsoft AI Tour features presentations from industry leaders, offering insights on AI advancements and their practical applications. It serves as a platform for business executives and technical practitioners to explore strategies for integrating AI into their operations to spur innovation.
Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, noted, “Harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic vision… The Microsoft AI Tour is an opportunity for business leaders, technical practitioners, and AI enthusiasts to explore the phenomenal potential of this transformative technology.”
Through these efforts, Microsoft reinforces its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape, fostering innovation, and building an inclusive society. The partnership with the Nigerian Government focuses on shaping the future of AI, thus enhancing the prospects for a digitally proficient workforce.
Microsoft’s investment of $1 million in AI skilling for one million Nigerians highlights its dedication to harnessing technology for economic growth and societal advancement. The initiative, integrated with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, aims to equip the workforce with crucial digital capabilities. By facilitating access to training and resources, Microsoft is set to empower Nigerians to contribute significantly to the evolving digital economy.
Original Source: news.microsoft.com
