Microsoft and the Federal Government have announced that more than 350,000 Nigerians have received training in artificial intelligence (AI) under the AI National Skills Initiative (AINSI), a programme designed to prepare the workforce for a digital economy.

Unveiled at a Lagos press conference on Tuesday, the milestone highlights Nigeria’s commitment to developing talent capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

The initiative builds on Microsoft’s $1 million investment announced in February, aimed at providing AI training for one million Nigerians. This investment was introduced during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, a global series connecting business leaders, technical practitioners, and AI enthusiasts to explore AI’s transformative potential.

Abideen Yusuf, General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, emphasized that AI is reshaping every sector and warned that countries that act quickly on skills development will be best positioned to benefit.

“Nigeria cannot afford to wait. We must equip people now, at scale and with purpose,” he said, stressing the need for timely investment in human capital to seize AI opportunities.

Implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School, AINSI aims to prepare individuals and organisations for the digital economy.

Since its launch, the programme has trained over four million Nigerians, with the second phase targeting one million citizens over the next three years.

Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School, said, “AI skills are no longer optional for Nigeria’s digital future; they are central to our competitiveness. Equipping leaders and citizens with AI capabilities is key to driving inclusive growth, innovation, and national transformation.”

The initiative reaches multiple groups, including public sector leaders, developers, and everyday tech users. Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, CEO and Founder of Data Science Nigeria, noted that 99 public sector leaders—comprising members of the National Assembly and senior executives from 58 ministries and agencies—have been trained in AI-powered reporting and sector-specific roadmaps. Developer-focused programmes trained over 1,600 participants in advanced skills such as machine learning, data science, and DevOps.

Microsoft AI Skills Week also engaged more than 235,000 participants through workshops, strategy sessions, and an Agentic AI hackathon in partnership with VISA, TeKnowledge, UNICEF, Data Science Nigeria, and Lagos Business School. The hackathon highlighted practical AI applications in document verification, risk assessment, and fraud detection, demonstrating the real-world impact of AI skills in fintech and other sectors.

“True digital transformation happens when governments, educators, developers, and communities move forward together. By building capacity for evidence-driven governance and responsible innovation, we are laying the foundation for a globally competitive workforce,” said Yusuf.

Looking ahead, Microsoft and the Federal Government plan to expand AI and cybersecurity training, strengthen developer pipelines, and broaden access to AI education, ensuring Nigeria’s young population is prepared 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 AI’s potential across the nation.”