Nigeria’s Workforce Gets Boost From TeKnowledge, Microsoft Partnership

TeKnowledge, a technology services company, said it has partnered with Microsoft to strengthen Nigeria’s national workforce readiness and support inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence.

The company said, “Nigeria is set to benefit from a major expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) training, as TeKnowledge partners with Microsoft to deliver Phase 2 of the Microsoft AI National Skilling Initiative. The programme aims to train more than 10,000 Nigerians, focusing on students, recent graduates, developers, women, and business leaders.”

Speaking, the territory director for Africa at TeKnowledge, Olugbolahan Olusanya stated that “this is a significant moment for Nigeria’s digital future and AI is no longer a future concept it is a present opportunity. Phase two is about scale, depth, and measurable impact.

By training 10,000 participants and connecting them to employers, we are creating direct pathways from learning to livelihood while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in a global AI-powered economy.”

Olusanya explained that these solutions demonstrate how advanced AI systems can be deployed responsibly within regulated industries, adding that the hackathon also helped participants apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

He noted that several learners secured roles immediately, while others entered defined job-placement pathways, saying, “We are not simply delivering programmes; we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in the AI-driven global economy.”

The chief growth and AI officer for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Olatomiwa Williams said the initiative is a critical step in building Nigeria’s digital capacity.

She explained, “Nigeria has an incredible opportunity to not just participate, but co-create in the global AI economy. Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative is playing a critical role in enabling national digital skilling efforts.”

She added that “by deepening AI skills and diffusing adoption throughout the economy, Nigeria and the African continent stand to benefit from innovation that is globally relevant and locally generated.”

Williams emphasised that “with a population exceeding 200 million and one of the youngest workforces in the world, Nigeria’s development of practical AI skills is a strategic economic lever.”

The CEO and president of TeKnowledge, Aileen Allkins highlighted the country’s potential, stating “countries that invest in AI literacy and responsible adoption today will define tomorrow’s economic leadership.”

She added, “Nigeria has the talent, the ambition, and the entrepreneurial energy to lead Africa’s AI transformation. Combining global expertise with strong local execution ensures these skills are accessible, inclusive, and impactful at scale.”

“Closing the gender gap in AI is not just a diversity issue, it is an economic one,” Allkins explained.

He added that, “economies that empower women in technology see measurable GDP growth. By including women-led networks and business leaders, we are ensuring AI opportunities reach all segments of society.”

Through this partnership, TeKnowledge and Microsoft aim to embed AI capability into Nigeria’s workforce, creating measurable outcomes in employability, innovation, and economic competitiveness.