Technology giant, Microsoft has inked a deal with the Nigerian government by launching several big projects to accelerate digital transformation in the country.
This is coming as the pace of digitisation in Nigeria has increased significantly over the past year, leaving an enormous opportunity to foster the technology ecosystem across the country, create jobs and develop a strong digital economy.
But much more needs to be done before all citizens can take advantage of this opportunity. Thus, the projects, which span three key areas of connectivity, skilling and digital transformation.
- Connectivity: Six regions in the country have been earmarked for the development of high-speed internet infrastructure. Microsoft will work closely with local partners to improve broadband connectivity in these communities while also assisting with the design and implementation of hyper-scale cloud services.
- Skilling: Microsoft is committing to upskilling five million people in Nigeria over the next three years. To help reach this goal, 1,700 trainers will provide blended online and in-person training courses to the country’s youth as well as government workers. Through these and other initiatives, we hope to create over 27,000 new digital jobs in the next three years.
- Digital transformation: This will take the shape of two separate initiatives:
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- By collaborating with local partners, Microsoft will support the design and implementation of cloud-based tools to further enable the government’s fight against corruption.
- Through a newly formed partnership with the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, Microsoft will harness the power of AI in support of the organisation’s efforts to preserve and revive Nigeria’s three major indigenous languages: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
Meanwhile, here below is a video address from Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Brad Smith, President of Microsoft speaking about details of the announcements.
Microsoft is excited to add to its existing investments in Nigeria and believes these initiatives can help build the foundation for a strong digital economy in the country.
