Microsoft, DSN Demo AI Capabilities at Nigeria’s First AI for Non-Profits and Social Good Summit

On June 27th, Microsoft and Data Science Nigeria (DSN) hosted the inaugural AI for Non-Profit Organizations and Social Good Summit at Microsoft’s Lagos office. The event brought together leaders from various sectors and NGOs to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for non-profits and social enterprises.

AI offers significant potential for non-profits to scale their social impact interventions. As a general-purpose technology, AI can enhance the quality of life in sectors such as health, financial inclusion, agriculture, and education. The summit highlighted how AI can improve efficiency, scale impact, and address socio-economic challenges, particularly in low-resourced countries like Nigeria.

Winnie Karanu, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) philanthropies lead at Microsoft, reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to AI transformation in the sector. She stated, “At Microsoft, we believe that AI can be a powerful force for good in Nigeria, helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the country. That is why we are dedicated to equipping non-profits with the AI tools and knowledge they need to amplify their impact and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.”

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, CEO/Founder of Data Science Nigeria, focused on the role of AI in social good. The panel included top professionals such as Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike, a senior lecturer from the University of Lagos and principal investigator of the EduAI Hub; Ms. Odunayo Sanya, executive director of MTN Foundation; Dr. Frederick Atenaga, Information Management Officer and expert on Humanitarian Affairs; and Mr. Sunday Taiwo, Head ICT and Vice President of GIEVA, the grant winner of the Microsoft and DataDotOrg Grant.

Participants engaged in hands-on workshops to acquire practical AI skills and explored cutting-edge digital tools designed to enhance the social impact of non-profits. These sessions showcased emerging AI applications for key non-profit operations such as fundraising, program planning, human resource management, partner management, outreach optimization, personalized donor management, and precision-based intervention.

Reliance Infosystems Limited, a Microsoft Tech for Social Impact Partner, demonstrated non-profit industry innovation on Microsoft business applications, focusing on fundraising and engagement, volunteer management, and program impact dashboards.

Microsoft and DSN share a vision of digital inclusivity and skills development for non-profits. This mission is supported by Microsoft’s Philanthropies team, which partners with the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide digital skills across the country through the Digital Skills Nigeria platform.

Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi emphasized the importance of ongoing AI capacity development efforts. “Our collaboration with Microsoft aims to equip Nigerian non-profits with the skills needed to create inclusive and equitable AI applications. This initiative will enable these organizations to address critical issues in health, finance, agriculture, and education, focusing on the practical application of AI across sectors.”

The collaboration between Microsoft and DSN aspires to drive significant social impact in Nigeria by demonstrating AI’s potential to support social good initiatives and offering practical insights on leveraging technology for programmatic and capacity development purposes.