Microsoft has announced a $1 million (N1.6 billion) investment in Nigeria over the next two years to support the adoption and advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country.
The initiative is aimed at equipping one million Nigerians with AI and other emerging technology skills and it aligns with the federal government’s push to position Nigeria as a major AI hub in Africa.
The announcement was made by Microsoft Managing Director for Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, during the AI Nigeria Tour conference and exhibition in Lagos on Wednesday.
The initiative will provide in-demand AI training for Nigerians, particularly youth and women, to ensure that the country benefits from the growing AI economy.
“At Microsoft, we believe that AI has the potential to transform economies and societies. Our commitment to enhancing AI skills in Nigeria is a testament to our dedication to empowering individuals and organisations to achieve more. By investing in digital skills training and collaborating with the Nigerian government, we aim to create a future-ready workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth in the country,” Williams said.
Microsoft noted that rather than displacing jobs, AI would create new opportunities, predicting that over 70 million new jobs would be generated in Nigeria alone. The company also projected that Nigeria’s AI market would grow by 27.08% annually from 2025 to 2030, adding an estimated $15 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030.
As part of its support for Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, Microsoft’s investment will provide enhanced access to AI and cloud adoption resources for business leaders, developers, and the public sector. The company said the initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s priorities of economic growth, technological advancement, industrialization, and digital innovation.
“The launch of this AI skilling initiative for Nigeria is not just about individual advancement, but more importantly about uplifting entire communities. We believe that by democratising access to AI education, we are creating a more equitable digital future for all,” Williams added.
Since 2021, Microsoft has collaborated with the Nigerian government to expand digital skills training, including the 3MTT platform, which has reached four million Nigerians as of early 2024. The company has also partnered with Wootlab Foundation to implement AI-focused training programs, preparing participants for careers in the evolving digital economy.
With its latest N1.6 billion AI investment, Microsoft aims to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation, empowering individuals and businesses with the skills required to compete in the global AI-driven economy.
