Global technology giant, Microsoft has announced a $1 million initiative aimed at equipping one million Nigerians with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills over the next two years.
This ambitious plan was revealed by Microsoft’s Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, 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 declared with enthusiasm.
She emphasised that the initiative is designed to provide Nigerian youths with the necessary AI skills to not only use the technology effectively but also build innovative solutions and businesses around AI.
According to her, the program will create a sustainable means of livelihood for participants while positioning them to 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 stated.
The initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader mission to democratise AI skills and promote digital inclusion, ensuring that Nigerians are not left behind in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
With AI increasingly shaping industries worldwide, Microsoft’s investment is expected to open new opportunities for Nigerian youth in areas such as software development, machine learning, and AI-powered entrepreneurship.
By focusing on AI training, the program seeks to bridge the digital skills gap in Nigeria, empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to drive innovation and economic growth. It is also expected to enhance Nigeria’s position as a key player in Africa’s digital economy, fostering technological advancements and creating employment opportunities in the AI-driven job market.
As the world embraces AI as a transformative force, initiatives like this underscore the importance of equipping young people with the skills to navigate and thrive in a technology-driven future.
Microsoft’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s AI talent pool is seen as a strategic move to enhance digital literacy, boost economic development, and elevate the country’s standing in the global tech ecosystem.
