Microsoft has unveiled a $1 million initiative to train 1 million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills over the next two years. The announcement, made at an event in Lagos, underscores the company's expanding role in Africa's AI ecosystem as it seeks to equip young Nigerians with skills for the evolving global economy.

The program will be led by Microsoft Nigeria in collaboration with Tech4Dev, Data Science Nigeria, and other partners. Microsoft executives emphasized AI's transformative potential on the continent, positioning the initiative as a step toward preparing Africa's workforce for future jobs. According to Olatomiwa Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, the company aims to "empower every person and organization to achieve more" by investing in Nigeria's talent.

However, the ambitious scale of the project – training 1 million people with just $1 million – raises feasibility concerns. That equates to $1 per trainee, prompting questions about the depth and quality of training offered. Microsoft has not fully disclosed the structure of the training program, leaving unclear whether it will focus on introductory AI awareness, hands-on technical training, or industry certifications.

Microsoft's initiative is not the only Big Tech investment in Nigeria's AI future. In October 2024, Google announced a ₦2.8 billion ($1.7 million) grant to support AI talent development in Nigeria, part of its broader $5.8 million digital skills commitment across Sub-Saharan Africa. While Google's program is focused on deep AI research and startup development, Microsoft appears to prioritize mass upskilling. Notably, Google's funding surpasses Microsoft's despite its smaller target audience.

Microsoft sees AI as a key economic driver for Africa, with the potential to add $15 billion to Nigeria's GDP and $1.5 trillion to the continent's economy by 2050. According to Lilian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, "there is an IDC study that found that for every $1 invested in AI, businesses could expect to see a return of $3.5." The initiative aligns with Microsoft's strategic business interests, as a larger pool of skilled professionals could become future customers or employees, driving adoption of Microsoft's AI tools and cloud services among Nigerian developers and businesses.

As Microsoft frames this as a social investment, the initiative could have broader implications for the African tech ecosystem. With AI adoption rising, companies like Microsoft stand to benefit from a growing pool of skilled professionals. The program could also help drive economic growth, business return on investment, and opportunities for upskilling and reskilling in Nigeria and beyond.

Microsoft's $1 million initiative marks a significant investment in Nigeria's AI future, but its success will depend on the quality and depth of training provided. As the company works to equip 1 million Nigerians with AI and digital skills, it remains to be seen whether this ambitious program will achieve its goals and have a lasting impact on Africa's tech landscape.