Microsoft and Data Science Nigeria (DSN) have joined forces to provide non-profits with the necessary AI tools and knowledge to enhance their impact and foster a more sustainable future. This collaboration was highlighted at the inaugural AI for Non-Profit Organisations and Social Good Summit, held at Microsoft’s Lagos office.
The summit brought together leaders from various sectors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to explore the transformative potential of AI for non-profits and social enterprises. AI, as a versatile technology, can significantly improve the quality of life in sectors such as health, financial inclusion, agriculture, and education. The summit underscored AI’s relevance for low-resourced countries like Nigeria by demonstrating how it can enhance efficiency, scale impact, and address socio-economic challenges.
Winnie Karanu, Microsoft’s lead for Sub-Saharan Africa philanthropies, emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to driving AI transformation in the sector. She stated, “At Microsoft, we believe that AI can be a powerful force for good in Nigeria, where it can help solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the country. That is why we are dedicated to equipping non-profits with the AI tools and knowledge they need to amplify their impact and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.”
An engaging panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, CEO and founder of Data Science Nigeria, focused on the role of AI in social good. The panel featured professionals like Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike from the University of Lagos, Ms. Odunayo Sanya from MTN Foundation, Dr. Frederick Atenaga, and Mr. Sunday Taiwo, who is the head of ICT and vice president of GIEVA.
Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, acquiring practical AI skills for use in their organizations. They explored cutting-edge digital tools for non-profit operations such as fundraising, program planning, human resource management, partner management, outreach optimization, personalized donor management, and precision-based intervention.
Reliance Infosystems Limited, a Microsoft Tech for Social Impact Partner, showcased innovative solutions for the non-profit industry using Microsoft business applications, focusing on fundraising, volunteer management, and program impact dashboards.
Microsoft and DSN are committed to digital inclusivity and skills development for non-profits. This mission is supported by Microsoft’s Philanthropies team, which also partners with the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide digital skills nationwide through the Digital Skills Nigeria platform.
Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi highlighted the importance of ongoing AI capacity development efforts, noting that their collaboration aims to equip Nigerian non-profits with the skills to create inclusive and equitable AI applications. This initiative will enable organizations to address critical issues in various sectors, focusing on the practical application of AI.
Ultimately, this collaboration aims to drive significant social impact in Nigeria by showcasing the potential of AI to support social good initiatives and offering practical insights on leveraging the technology for programmatic and capacity development purposes.
