In a significant move to bolster Nigeria's fintech sector, Visa and Microsoft have joined forces to drive agentic artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, aiming to enhance the nation's financial technology talent pool. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fostering practical AI capabilities within Nigeria's financial services industry.
From May 26 to 30, 2025, the two tech giants co-hosted the Microsoft AI Skills Week Hackathon in Lagos. The event attracted over 70 developers and 150 chief information officers (CIOs), chief technology officers (CTOs), and digital transformation leaders from the financial services sector. Participants engaged in self-paced learning, live sessions, interactive workshops, and a hackathon focused on addressing real-world challenges in fintech. (independent.ng)
A central component of the program was the exploration of generative AI technologies, including Azure OpenAI and Semantic Kernel. Developers were tasked with designing AI-driven solutions using agentic AI and Microsoft Copilot to enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance within the financial services industry. The hackathon's top teams received mentorship and potential support to bring their solutions to market. (independent.ng)
Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head of Visa West Africa, emphasized the initiative's significance:
Ola Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, highlighted the importance of nurturing talent:
This partnership aligns with broader efforts to advance AI skills in Nigeria. In February 2025, Microsoft announced a $1 million investment to provide AI training for one million Nigerians over two years, aiming to position the country as a key player in the global AI ecosystem. (news.microsoft.com)
The Nigerian fintech industry has experienced remarkable growth, with companies raising over $500 million in 2023 alone. This surge reflects the innovative spirit of Nigerian entrepreneurs and the increasing confidence of foreign investors in the country's fintech ecosystem. (vanguardngr.com)
By equipping local talent with advanced AI skills, Visa and Microsoft aim to foster a fintech ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and prepared for the future of digital finance. This initiative not only addresses current compliance challenges but also positions Nigeria as a leader in AI-driven financial services innovation.
Source: Vanguard News Visa, Microsoft drive agentic AI innovation to boost Nigeria’s Fintech talent
