Microsoft has announced a $1 million initiative to train 1 million Nigerians in artificial intelligence and digital skills over the next two years.
The program will be conducted in collaboration with Microsoft Nigeria, Tech4Dev, Data Science Nigeria, and other partners.
This initiative emphasizes the potential of AI technology to drive development on the continent, while also aiming to integrate Africa’s potential workforce into the new global economy.
However, there are concerns about the feasibility of this investment, as dividing the $1 million across 1 million trainees results in just $1 per person, a figure many find unrealistic.
This raises doubts about the practical application of the program, as well as the potential quality and depth of the training provided.
The structure of the training program has not yet been fully disclosed. Microsoft is not the only major tech company investing in Nigeria’s AI future.
Google has also announced a total of $5.8 million in grants to support AI talent development in the country.