Microsoft announced a $1M initiative to train a million Nigerians on artificial intelligence (AI) over the next two-years. The announcement was made at a Lagos event on Wednesday. It highlights the company’s growing role in Africa’s AI eco-system as it seeks equip young Nigerians for the changing global economy.
Microsoft Nigeria will lead the program in collaboration with Tech4Dev Nigeria, Data Science Nigeria and other partners. Microsoft executives highlighted AI’s transformative power on the continent and positioned the initiative as a way to prepare Africa’s workforce for the future.
The ambitious scale of the project — training 1 million people for just $1 million — raises concerns about its feasibility. This equates to $1 for each trainee, raising questions about the quality and depth of training provided.
Microsoft is yet to disclose the full structure of its training program. It is unclear if the program will focus on introductory AI training, hands-on tech training, or industry certificates. Olatomiwa Williams suggested that Microsoft would build on previous AI upskilling initiatives in Nigeria.
We are excited to bring our mission to reality by investing in Nigerian talent. Williams said that the goal was to empower everyone and every organization to achieve more. This investment is a way to ensure that Nigerians can take advantage of the opportunities offered by the AI-driven fifth industrial revolution.
Williams noted that Microsoft had worked with Nigerian startups in the AI field before and claimed the company had reached 4 million Nigerians via its digital skills programs ever since it entered the country.
Microsoft’s not the only Big Tech company betting on Nigeria’s AI future. Google announced in October 2024 a N2.8billion ($1.7m) grant to support AI Talent Development in Nigeria. This was part of a broader $5.8-million digital skills commitment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Google’s program focuses on deep AI research and startups, whereas Microsoft appears to focus on mass upskilling. Google’s funding is higher than Microsoft’s, despite the smaller audience.
Microsoft views AI as a major economic driver for Africa. It could add $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and $1.5 trillion in the continent’s economy by 2050.
There is Lilian Barnard is the President of Microsoft Africa. She cited an IDC report which found that businesses could expect a return on investment of $3.5 for every dollar invested in AI. “It is important that we begin to tick the boxes for economic growth, return on investment and opportunities for upskilling or reskilling,” said Lilian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa. Microsoft, for example, can benefit from an increased pool of highly-skilled professionals who may become future employees or customers. The initiative could also encourage Nigerian developers and companies to adopt Microsoft’s AI services and cloud tools.
