In a significant move to bolster Nigeria's fintech landscape, Microsoft and Visa recently concluded an intensive artificial intelligence (AI) training and hackathon program in Lagos. This initiative, part of Microsoft's AI Skills Week, aimed to equip Nigerian fintech developers with practical AI skills, fostering innovation and compliance within the sector.
Empowering the Fintech Ecosystem
The program attracted over 70 developers and more than 150 chief information officers, chief technology officers, and digital transformation leaders from the financial services industry. Participants engaged in self-paced learning, live technical sessions, interactive workshops, and a five-hour hackathon focused on developing AI-powered solutions to address real-world challenges in compliance and innovation.
Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head of Visa West Africa, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
He highlighted the goal of empowering local talent to harness generative AI and agentic systems to advance compliance innovation and transform challenges in the financial services sector into competitive advantages tailored to African markets.
Hands-On Experience with Cutting-Edge AI Tools
During the hackathon, participants were introduced to emerging AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Azure OpenAI, and Semantic Kernel. They were tasked with developing agentic AI solutions to address Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance pain points in the financial services industry. Winning teams were selected by a panel of fintech and AI experts and will receive mentorship and potential productization support to further develop and scale their solutions.
The program also received technical leadership and mentorship support from TeKnowledge and GitHub, assisting developers in exploring responsible methods for integrating AI into the financial services value chain.
Strategic Investment in AI Skills Development
This initiative aligns with Microsoft's broader commitment to AI skills development in Nigeria. In February 2025, Microsoft announced a $1 million investment to train one million Nigerians in AI skills over the next two years. This investment aims to bridge the skills gap, enhance employability, and prepare the workforce for the evolving digital economy. (fintechmagazine.africa)
Ola Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, underscored the significance of nurturing upcoming talent:
She emphasized the goal of empowering Nigerian fintech professionals to lead with cutting-edge solutions that enhance compliance, elevate customer experiences, and drive financial inclusion, ensuring a future that is both agile and inclusive.
Broader Implications for Nigeria's Digital Economy
The collaboration between Microsoft and Visa reflects a strategic effort to nurture the next generation of fintech leaders and drive the practical adoption of AI technologies across Africa's digital economy. By focusing on AI skills development, these initiatives aim to position Nigeria as a key player in the global AI ecosystem, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic competitiveness.
As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, such investments in skills development are crucial for ensuring that local talent is equipped to harness the opportunities presented by the fifth industrial revolution. By democratizing access to AI education, Microsoft and Visa are contributing to a more inclusive digital future for Nigeria and the broader African continent.
In conclusion, the recent AI training and hackathon program in Lagos, spearheaded by Microsoft and Visa, marks a significant step towards empowering Nigerian fintech developers with the skills necessary to drive innovation and compliance in the financial services sector. Through strategic investments and collaborations, these tech giants are laying the groundwork for a robust and inclusive digital economy in Nigeria.
Source: Punch Newspapers Microsoft, Visa train fintech developers
