Microsoft has announced a $1 million investment aimed at equipping one million Nigerians with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, marking a significant push to advance digital literacy and workforce readiness in the country. The initiative was unveiled at the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, a global event series designed to bring together business leaders, technical experts, and AI enthusiasts to explore the transformative impact of AI.
This investment aligns with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and broader efforts to position the country as a key player in the global AI revolution. With Nigeria’s AI market expected to grow at an annual rate of 27.08% from 2025 to 2030, the initiative seeks to bridge the digital skills gap, enhance employability, and drive economic growth.
The training programs will be delivered in collaboration with the Nigerian government, ensuring accessibility to AI, digital literacy, and cybersecurity education. Microsoft’s Managing Director for Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering individuals and organizations through AI-driven learning opportunities. Williams noted that this effort is not just about equipping individuals with new skills but about fostering innovation and driving industrial transformation.
A key focus of the initiative will be inclusivity, particularly targeting youth and women to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities. By 2026, Microsoft aims to have trained one million Nigerians, including business leaders and public sector executives, helping them harness AI to drive industrialization and technological advancement.
Williams highlighted that the initiative is not just about personal development but about uplifting entire communities by democratizing access to AI education. This aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals of fostering digital enterprises and preparing the workforce for the future of work.
Industry projections estimate that AI could contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030 if the right skills and technologies are adopted. The Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos served as a platform for professionals to gain hands-on experience with AI tools, engage in discussions with Microsoft’s leadership, and explore AI’s role in business transformation and problem-solving.
With AI poised to reshape industries globally, Microsoft’s investment signals a major step in positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the digital economy, equipping its workforce with the skills needed to compete in an increasingly AI-driven world.
