ABUJA, August 6, 2025 — Technology giant Microsoft has declared that Nigeria is on track to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), citing the country’s expanding tech ecosystem, youthful population, and increasing government investment in digital infrastructure.
This optimistic projection was made during a high-level engagement between Microsoft executives and top government officials in Abuja on Tuesday. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships for digital transformation, capacity building, and responsible AI development across Nigeria.
Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position as Africa’s digital hub, noting the rapid adoption of AI tools in education, agriculture, health, and governance. She emphasized that Nigeria’s young and tech-savvy population, combined with a vibrant startup scene, provides fertile ground for AI innovation to flourish.
“We have observed with great interest how Nigerian developers, entrepreneurs, and institutions are embracing artificial intelligence to solve local problems and scale global solutions. This momentum signals that Nigeria is well-positioned to lead Africa — and indeed the world — in ethical and impactful AI development,” Williams stated.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing AI to drive inclusive economic growth. He disclosed that the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, expected to be launched later this year, will prioritize skills development, investment in research labs, and public-private collaboration.
The government also assured that AI policies would be developed in line with global standards to ensure ethical use, data privacy, and equitable access to emerging technologies.
This development aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative, which aims to position the nation as a top investment destination for tech giants and innovation-driven economies.
As Microsoft deepens its footprint in Nigeria through cloud services, AI-powered tools, and talent training programs, experts believe the country could soon emerge as a major force in shaping the global AI landscape.
