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Microsoft has unveiled a $1 million initiative aimed at training one million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills over the next two years. Announced during an event in Lagos, this investment is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to deepening its engagement in Africa and equipping the region’s workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven global economy.
The training program, developed in collaboration with Tech4Dev and Data Science Nigeria, will focus on enhancing employment opportunities for Nigerian youth by providing specialized education in AI and cybersecurity. Olatomiwa Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, emphasized the company’s dedication to fostering digital empowerment and ensuring individuals and organizations can leverage AI for economic growth.
This initiative builds on Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s digital landscape. In May 2024, Microsoft, in partnership with G42, committed $1 billion to Kenya’s digital transformation, including plans for a geothermal-powered data center and an innovation hub. Additionally, the company has pledged to train one million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity skills by 2026, underscoring its mission to democratize access to digital education across the continent.
However, questions have emerged regarding the feasibility of training one million individuals with a $1 million budget—effectively allocating just $1 per trainee. The specifics of the program, including its structure, depth, and certification process, remain unclear.
Microsoft’s investment aligns with its strategic objective to expand its influence in Africa’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem. By developing a skilled workforce, the company not only contributes to bridging the digital divide but also cultivates future users and innovators who may leverage its technologies and services.
The growing interest in Africa’s tech potential is reflected in similar initiatives by other global technology firms. In October 2024, Google committed ₦2.8 billion ($1.7 million) toward AI talent development in Nigeria as part of a broader $5.8 million investment in digital education across Sub-Saharan Africa. These investments signal an increasing recognition of Africa as an emerging hub for technology and innovation.
Lillian Barnard, Microsoft’s President for Africa, highlighted the transformative economic potential of AI for the continent, citing projections that AI could significantly contribute to Africa’s GDP by 2050. By prioritizing training and infrastructure, Microsoft aims to position Africa as a competitive force in the global digital economy.
As Microsoft deepens its engagement in Africa, the long-term success of these initiatives will hinge on their execution, effective collaboration with local stakeholders, and the ability to scale training programs to meet the continent’s diverse and growing digital needs.
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