Microsoft and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced that more than 350,000 Nigerians have been trained in artificial intelligence skills under the AI National Skills Initiative (AINSI), a programme aimed at equipping the workforce for a rapidly evolving digital economy. The milestone was unveiled at a Lagos press conference, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to building talent capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
The initiative builds on a $1 million investment by Microsoft earlier this year to provide AI training for one million Nigerians. Launched during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, the programme brings together business leaders, developers, and AI enthusiasts to explore the transformative potential of AI and develop practical skills for the digital economy.
Abideen Yusuf, General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, said AI is reshaping every sector and warned that countries that act quickly on skills development will reap the most benefits. “Nigeria cannot afford to wait. We must equip people now, at scale and with intent,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of investing in human capital to harness AI opportunities.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School, targets a wide range of stakeholders, including public sector leaders, developers, and everyday tech users. Since its launch, AINSI has reportedly reached over four million Nigerians, with the second phase aiming to train an additional one million citizens over the next three years.
Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School, noted that AI skilling is foundational for Nigeria’s competitiveness and inclusive growth. “Equipping leaders and citizens with AI capabilities is essential for driving innovation and national transformation,” he said.
Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, CEO of Data Science Nigeria, highlighted that 99 public sector leaders, including members of the National Assembly and senior executives from 58 ministries and agencies, have received training in AI-powered reporting and sector-specific roadmaps. Additionally, developer-focused programmes trained over 1,600 participants in advanced skills such as machine learning, data science, and DevOps.
Microsoft AI Skills Week further engaged more than 235,000 participants through workshops, strategy sessions, and the Agentic AI hackathon, run in partnership with VISA, TeKnowledge, UNICEF, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School. The hackathon demonstrated practical AI applications in areas like document verification, risk assessment, and fraud detection, highlighting the tangible impact of AI on sectors such as fintech.
Looking ahead, Microsoft and the Federal Government plan to expand AI and cybersecurity training, strengthen developer pipelines, and broaden access to AI education to prepare Nigeria’s young population for the demands of the digital economy.
Yusuf concluded: “Nigeria is on track to capture 43 per cent of Africa’s projected $136 billion AI-driven productivity gains by 2030. By equipping leaders, developers, and tech users, we’re building a future-ready workforce and maximising the potential of AI across the nation.”
