Microsoft has announced a $1 million (N1.6 billion) investment in Nigeria over the next two years to support artificial intelligence (AI) development and workforce training. The initiative was revealed by Ola Williams, Managing Director for Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, at the AI Nigeria Tour conference in Lagos.
Williams, alongside Microsoft Africa President Lilian Barnard, emphasized the importance of positioning Nigeria as a leading AI hub in Africa. The investment aims to build a sustainable tech ecosystem and equip about one million Nigerians with AI and emerging technology skills.
Contrary to fears that AI will replace jobs, Williams stated that AI will drive job creation, predicting that over 70 million new jobs could emerge in Nigeria alone. She added that Nigeria’s AI market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 27.08% from 2025 to 2030, with AI contributing an estimated $15 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030.
The funding aligns with Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy, which targets skilling 70% of the country’s young workforce in AI-related fields. Through the Microsoft AI Skilling Initiative, developed in partnership with the Nigerian government, the program will provide essential AI skills training for one million Nigerians by 2026.
Williams reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to driving economic growth through digital skills training. The initiative will focus on AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills training, with a particular emphasis on youth and women. It will also support business leaders and senior executives in the public sector to enhance AI adoption across industries.
Since 2021, Microsoft has been actively investing in Nigeria’s digital skills ecosystem, collaborating with the Nigerian government through the 3MTT platform. By early 2024, over four million Nigerians had engaged with Microsoft’s skilling programs, and partnerships with organizations like Wootlab Foundation continue to strengthen AI training efforts.
Williams concluded that the AI skilling initiative is not just about individual growth but about uplifting entire communities and ensuring a more inclusive digital future for Nigeria.
