Microsoft has introduced a $1 million initiative to coach 1 million Nigerians in synthetic intelligence (AI) and digital expertise over the following two years. The announcement, made at an occasion in Lagos on Wednesday, underscores the corporate’s increasing function in Africa’s AI ecosystem because it seeks to equip younger Nigerians with expertise for the evolving international economic system.
This system will probably be led by Microsoft Nigeria in collaboration with Tech4Dev, Knowledge Science Nigeria, and different companions. Microsoft executives emphasised AI’s transformative potential on the continent, positioning the initiative as a step towards making ready Africa’s workforce for future jobs.
Nonetheless, the bold scale of the challenge—coaching 1 million individuals with simply $1 million—raises feasibility issues. That equates to $1 per trainee, prompting questions concerning the depth and high quality of coaching supplied.
Microsoft has not totally disclosed the construction of the coaching program. It stays unclear whether or not it should give attention to introductory AI consciousness, hands-on technical coaching, or trade certifications. Olatomiwa Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, prompt that Microsoft will construct on earlier AI upskilling efforts in Nigeria.
“We’re thrilled to convey our mission to life by investing in Nigeria’s expertise. Our purpose is to empower each particular person and group to realize extra, and this funding is a step in the direction of guaranteeing that Nigerians are outfitted to harness the alternatives introduced by the fifth industrial revolution, which AI drives,” stated Williams.
Williams additionally famous that Microsoft has labored with Nigerian AI startups previously and claims the corporate has reached 4 million Nigerians by means of its digital expertise packages since coming into the nation.
Microsoft is just not the one Massive Tech agency betting on Nigeria’s AI future. In October 2024, Google introduced a ₦2.8 billion ($1.7 million) grant to help AI expertise growth in Nigeria. This was a part of its broader $5.8 million digital expertise dedication throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Google’s program is targeted on deep AI analysis and startup growth, whereas Microsoft seems to prioritize mass upskilling. Nonetheless, Google’s funding surpasses Microsoft’s regardless of its smaller audience.
Microsoft sees AI as a key financial driver for Africa, with the potential so as to add $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and $1.5 trillion to the continent’s economic system by 2050.
“There’s an IDC examine that discovered that for each $1 invested in AI, companies might anticipate to see a return of $3.5,” stated Lilian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa. “It’s essential that we begin ensuring that we tick the packing containers on financial development, enterprise return on funding, and alternatives for upskilling and reskilling.”
Whereas Microsoft frames this as a social funding, the initiative additionally aligns with its strategic enterprise pursuits. With AI adoption rising, firms like Microsoft stand to learn from a bigger pool of expert professionals who might turn into future clients or staff. The initiative might additionally assist drive adoption of Microsoft’s AI instruments and cloud companies amongst Nigerian builders and companies.