TeKnowledge Expands Partnership with Microsoft to Promote National AI Skills Development in Nigeria

TeKnowledge, a global leader in technology services specialising in guiding organisations to become AI First, has announced an expanded role as an implementation and delivery partner for Phase 2 of Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative in Nigeria. This development is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s workforce readiness and foster inclusive AI adoption.

Building on the foundations established in 2025, when TeKnowledge contributed to designing and delivering one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive AI capability-building programmes, the initiative was set up not as a pilot, but as a nationwide model aimed at translating growing interest in artificial intelligence into practical, employable skills.

Through a combination of large-scale awareness campaigns, structured learning pathways, hands-on technical training, and a developer-focused hackathon, the programme emphasised applied learning and workforce outcomes. Over 50,000 Nigerians were reached with foundational and intermediate AI skills, whilst more than 3,000 participants completed advanced training and gained Microsoft AI certifications across multiple technical tracks.

Working alongside existing national capacity-building programmes, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the project also delivered a coordinated training effort for developers and hosted an Agentic AI Hackathon under the Microsoft AI National Skilling Initiative framework. The hackathon assembled emerging developers to design production-ready AI solutions addressing real-world challenges in the fintech sector.

Participants developed nine applied agentic AI solutions using Microsoft Semantic Kernel, with use cases spanning document verification, risk assessment, and fraud detection, demonstrating how advanced AI systems can be responsibly deployed within regulated industries.

To support employment outcomes, TeKnowledge organised a dedicated Career Fair, connecting participants with employers and ecosystem partners. Several learners secured roles immediately, whilst others entered defined job placement pathways.

This year, the initiative is scaling further by expanding outcome-driven partnerships across universities and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whilst engaging business leaders, developers, entrepreneurs, youth, and women to broaden participation and impact. Delivery adopts a hybrid model combining virtual instruction, hands-on projects, and targeted in-person engagements to extend reach whilst maintaining depth across advanced technical tracks.

“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital journey. AI is no longer a future concept — it is a present opportunity. This next phase is about scale, depth, and measurable impact. We are committing to directly train 10,000 participants in Phase 2, with deliberate focus on youth, women, developers, and decision makers who will drive AI adoption across sectors. The Career Fair ensures this initiative goes beyond training, creating direct pathways from learning to livelihood. We are not simply delivering programmes; we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to compete in an AI-powered global economy,” said Olugbolahan Olusanya, Territory Director for Africa, TeKnowledge.

“Africa has an incredible opportunity to become not only a participant, but a builder and co-creator in the global AI economy, but much of this promise depends on building the right skills for this exciting new era. Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative plays a critical role in enabling Nigeria’s national digital skilling efforts. Already we have seen wonderful innovation and globally relevant local solutions coming from the talent here in Nigeria. By deepening AI skills and diffusing AI adoption throughout the economy, Nigeria and the African continent stand to benefit,” said Olatomiwa Williams, Chief Growth and AI Officer, Microsoft Middle East and Africa.

Globally, AI is projected to contribute trillions of dollars to the world economy over the coming decade. For Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million and one of the youngest workforces globally, AI capability development represents a strategic economic lever. Expanding practical AI skills at scale strengthens employability, drives innovation, and accelerates digital prosperity across sectors.

“Around the world, nations that invest in AI literacy and responsible adoption today will define tomorrow’s economic leadership. Nigeria has the talent, the ambition, and the entrepreneurial energy to lead in Africa’s AI transformation. Our focus is to combine global expertise with strong local execution, ensuring AI skills are accessible, inclusive, and impactful at scale,” added Aileen Allkins, CEO & President, TeKnowledge.

Through this partnership, TeKnowledge continues to deepen its engagement in Nigeria’s digital future by positioning inclusive AI capability as a cornerstone of long-term economic competitiveness and sustainable growth.