World tech firm Microsoft has pledged a $1 million (about ₦1.6 billion) funding to spice up Nigeria’s digital economic system by coaching a million Nigerians in Synthetic Intelligence (AI) expertise.
The announcement was made in Lagos by Ola Williams, Microsoft’s Nation Supervisor for Nigeria and Ghana. The initiative, set to run over the subsequent two years, goals to equip Nigerians with important AI information, fostering innovation, job creation, and digital transformation within the nation.
Microsoft has additionally expanded its presence in Africa by way of strategic investments geared toward boosting digital transformation, synthetic intelligence (AI) growth, and cloud computing infrastructure.
Listed here are the highest 5 African Nations:
1. Kenya
In Might 2024, Microsoft, in collaboration with UAE-based AI agency G42, introduced a $1 billion funding in Kenya’s digital infrastructure. This initiative contains the development of a world-class information heart in Olkaria, powered totally by geothermal power.
The challenge goals to determine a brand new East Africa Cloud Area, offering companies and authorities businesses with entry to cutting-edge AI and cloud computing companies.
This funding is predicted to speed up Kenya’s digital transformation, appeal to tech startups, and enhance employment within the know-how sector.
2. South Africa
Microsoft has strengthened its dedication to South Africa with a R1.3 billion ($70 million) funding centered on AI-driven job creation. The corporate plans to assist over 2,000 people with AI and digital expertise coaching, whereas additionally helping 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in leveraging know-how for development.
Microsoft has additionally been working cloud information facilities in South Africa since 2019, making it one of many key digital hubs for Microsoft’s operations in Africa.
3. Nigeria
Microsoft has been actively investing in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. In 2019, the corporate introduced a $100 million funding to determine an Africa Improvement Heart with areas in each Nigeria and Kenya.
This initiative focuses on hiring native engineers to develop software program options tailor-made for Africa and past.
In 2024, Microsoft additionally dedicated a further $1 million to coach a million Nigerians in AI and digital expertise, reinforcing its efforts to bridge the digital divide within the nation.
4. Egypt
Microsoft has been working carefully with Egypt’s authorities and personal sector to reinforce digital infrastructure and expertise growth.
Whereas particular funding figures haven’t been disclosed, Microsoft has launched cloud computing packages, AI initiatives, and startup assist tasks to drive Egypt’s digital economic system ahead.
The corporate has additionally been instrumental in coaching hundreds of Egyptian college students and professionals in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI, guaranteeing the nation stays aggressive within the international tech business.
5. Ghana
In Ghana, Microsoft has centered on empowering younger entrepreneurs and startups by way of digital expertise coaching and enterprise assist packages.
The corporate has partnered with native organizations to offer cloud companies, AI coaching, and digital literacy initiatives.
Whereas the monetary particulars of Microsoft’s funding in Ghana stay undisclosed, the impression of those packages has been important, serving to bridge the digital expertise hole and foster innovation within the nation.
