The programme aims to reach and impact more than 10,000 across diverse profiles

Lagos, Nigeria — March 5, 2026 — TeKnowledge a global expert technology services company specializing in helping organizations become AI First, has today announced an expanded role as an implementation and delivery partner for Phase 2 of Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative in Nigeria, as part of a broader effort to strengthen national workforce readiness and support inclusive adoption of artificial intelligence.

The partnership builds on groundwork laid in 2025, when TeKnowledge helped design and deliver one of Nigeria’s most extensive AI capability building efforts. The programme was structured not as a pilot, but as a nationwide model focused on 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 initiative emphasized applied learning and workforce outcomes. More than 50,000 Nigerians were reached with foundational and intermediate AI skills, while over 3,000 participants completed advanced training and earned Microsoft AI certifications across multiple technical tracks.

Working alongside existing national capacity building programmes, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the programme also delivered a coordinated training effort for developers and hosted an Agentic AI Hackathon under the Microsoft AI National Skilling Initiative framework. The hackathon brought together 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 deployed responsibly within regulated industries.

To support employment outcomes, TeKnowledge convened a dedicated Career Fair, connecting participants with employers and ecosystem partners. Several learners secured roles immediately, while 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), while engaging business leaders, developers, entrepreneurs, youth, and women to broaden participation and impact. Delivery follows a hybrid model combining virtual instruction, hands-on projects, and targeted in person engagements to extend reach while 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 Ola 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 economic growth.

About TeKnowledge

TeKnowledge is a trusted expert technology services company helping organizations and nations navigate the journey to becoming AI-First from data and security to adoption and ongoing support. With a strong presence of over 2,000 professionals in Nigeria, TeKnowledge delivers AI, CX, cybersecurity, digital skilling, and managed services to large enterprises and public institutions. Globally, the company supports organizations across 90 countries, operating from 16+ hubs and delivering 24/7 services through more than 4,000 experts. Founded in 2010, TeKnowledge is part of YNV Group, a privately held global holding company. Learn more at www.TeKnowledge.com. TeKnowledge delivers AI-First Expert Technology Services in AI, CX & Cybersecurity—turning complexity into clarity and driving scalable innovation.

About Microsoft:

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.