TeKnowledge has expanded its collaboration with Microsoft to implement the second phase of the technology company’s Artificial Intelligence National Skilling Initiative in Nigeria, with plans to train over 10,000 participants as the country strengthens workforce preparedness and promotes broader AI adoption.

The development was announced in Lagos on Thursday, with TeKnowledge assuming an expanded role as the implementation and delivery partner for Phase 2 of the programme. The initiative is designed to equip Nigerians with practical artificial intelligence skills needed for the evolving digital economy.

The new phase builds on achievements recorded in 2025, when TeKnowledge supported the design and execution of one of Nigeria’s largest AI capacity-building programmes. During that phase, more than 50,000 Nigerians acquired foundational and intermediate AI knowledge, while over 3,000 participants completed advanced training and earned Microsoft AI certifications across several technical tracks.

The programme integrates awareness campaigns, structured learning pathways, hands-on technical sessions and developer-focused training to transform growing interest in AI into practical and employable skills.

Territory Director for Africa at TeKnowledge, Olugbolahan Olusanya, described the initiative as timely for Nigeria’s digital growth.

“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital journey. AI is no longer a future concept; it is a present opportunity,” he said. “This next phase focuses on scale, depth and measurable impact. We aim to directly train 10,000 participants, with a deliberate emphasis on youth, women, developers and decision-makers who will drive AI adoption across sectors.”

The initiative will also align with national talent development programmes such as the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, a government-backed effort aimed at expanding Nigeria’s pool of skilled technology professionals.

During the first phase, the programme hosted an Agentic AI Hackathon that brought together emerging developers to create real-world AI solutions for challenges in the financial technology sector.

Participants produced nine applied agentic AI solutions using Microsoft Semantic Kernel. The projects addressed issues such as document verification, fraud detection and risk assessment within regulated industries.

To improve employment prospects for participants, TeKnowledge also organised a career fair connecting trainees with employers and ecosystem partners. Organisers noted that several participants secured jobs soon after the programme, while others entered structured job placement pathways.

Chief Growth and AI Officer for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Olatomiwa Williams, emphasised the importance of AI capability building for Africa’s participation in the global digital economy.

“Africa has an incredible opportunity to become not only a participant but a builder and co-creator in the global AI economy,” Williams said. “Much of this promise depends on building the right skills for this new era. By strengthening AI expertise and expanding adoption across industries, Nigeria and the broader African continent stand to benefit.”

TeKnowledge is a technology services company that supports organisations and governments in transitioning toward AI-driven operations, covering areas such as data management, security, adoption strategies and ongoing technical support. The company maintains a strong presence in Nigeria with over 2,000 professionals delivering services including AI solutions, customer experience, cybersecurity, digital skilling and managed services to enterprises and public institutions.

Operating across more than 90 countries from over 16 hubs, TeKnowledge delivers round-the-clock services through a workforce of over 4,000 experts. Founded in 2010, the company is part of YNV Group, a privately held global holding organisation.

Globally, artificial intelligence is expected to contribute trillions of dollars to economic output in the coming decade. For Nigeria, which has a population exceeding 200 million and one of the world’s youngest workforces, expanding practical AI capabilities is increasingly seen as a key driver of innovation, job creation and economic growth.

Chief Executive Officer and President of TeKnowledge, Aileen Allkins, said early investment in AI literacy and responsible adoption would determine future economic leadership.

“Nigeria has the talent, ambition and entrepreneurial energy to lead Africa’s AI transformation,” she said. “Our goal is to combine global expertise with strong local execution to ensure AI skills remain accessible, inclusive and impactful at scale.”