With Africa fast emerging as a powerhouse of tech talent, with a young, dynamic workforce ready to shape the global digital economy, Microsoft has pledged its continued support.
The company, in a statement, said it would remain at the forefront, driving initiatives to equip Africa’s youth with essential digital skills, nurture entrepreneurs, and harness the transformative power of AI.
As the world’s youngest continent, Africa is primed to contribute one-fifth of the global workforce and one-third of its youth workforce by 2030.
As industries worldwide embrace digital transformation, foundational digital skills are increasingly in demand. According to the World Bank, 70 percent of this demand will come from sectors outside ICT, highlighting the need for broad-based digital literacy.
In response, Microsoft launched the Global Skills Initiative in 2021, which has reached 80 million job seekers globally, with over 196,000 Nigerian participants. Through partnerships with the African Development Bank and the Nigerian government, Microsoft has also launched the Digital Nigeria eLearning Platform, which enrolled 125,000 learners within its first year.
So far, over 1.1 million Nigerians have benefitted from Microsoft’s skilling programmes, with nearly 90,000 earning certifications.
With 22 percent of Africa’s working-age population involved in starting new businesses, the continent boasts the world’s highest rate of entrepreneurship. Yet, with only 3 million jobs created annually for the 10 to 12 million youths entering the workforce, supporting startups and small businesses is vital for tackling unemployment and driving innovation.
To this end, Microsoft has partnered with the Nigerian government to upskill five million Nigerians and create over 27,000 new digital jobs. Initiatives like the FAST Accelerator program, launched in collaboration with Flapmax, are helping African startups access cutting-edge technologies and rapidly scale their businesses.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the future, and Africa is well-positioned to capitalize on this revolution. The *State of AI in Africa* report estimates that capturing just 10 percent of the global AI market could boost Africa’s economy by as much as 50 percent of current GDP.
Microsoft is advancing AI skills across the continent through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Zindi, a leading African AI community. These initiatives are empowering young Africans to develop the skills needed to thrive in AI-driven industries, ensuring they are prepared for the digital economy of tomorrow.
“By investing in digital skills, supporting entrepreneurs, and embracing AI, we are not only transforming Africa but positioning it as a leader in the global tech revolution,” the company added.