Federal Government Microsoft AI Skills for Women 2026: Apply for Free Training
- Details
- Category: Government Training Programmes
- Published on Thursday, 20 August 2026 14:25
- Hits: 5
Nigerian women can now enrol for a free online Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme backed by Microsoft and Founderz. The initiative is designed to help women build practical AI and digital skills that can be used for career development, business growth, productivity and future employment opportunities.
The AI Skills 4 Women 2026 programme is being promoted in Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Microsoft and Founderz. It is particularly suitable for women who want to understand how artificial intelligence works and how to use AI tools in everyday professional and business situations.
The training is completely online and beginner-friendly, meaning participants do not need previous coding or artificial intelligence experience to get started.
Quick Overview of the Microsoft AI Skills for Women Programme
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | AI Skills 4 Women 2026 |
| Target Group | Women in Nigeria |
| Partners | Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Microsoft and Founderz |
| Training Type | Free AI Skills Training |
| Delivery | 100% Online |
| Duration | Approximately 3 hours |
| Previous Experience | Not required |
| Certificate | Official Microsoft Credential |
| Cost | Free |
| Application Status | Open |
| Application Deadline | Not officially specified |
| Application Portal | Founderz |
The official Founderz platform currently allows eligible women to enrol online for free.
What Is the Federal Government Microsoft AI Skills for Women Programme?
The programme is an opportunity for Nigerian women to gain a basic understanding of artificial intelligence and learn how AI can be applied to real-life work and business situations.
AI is rapidly becoming an important skill across industries such as banking, finance, education, healthcare, marketing, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship. Learning how to use AI effectively can therefore give participants an additional skill that can support their professional development.
Founderz says the 2026 edition has been updated with newer AI tools and practical applications, including examples relevant to areas such as healthcare, education, marketing, finance, human resources and entrepreneurship.
Who Can Apply?
The training is designed to be accessible to women from different backgrounds.
Eligible participants can include:
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Nigerian women interested in Artificial Intelligence
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Students
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Entrepreneurs and business owners
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Young professionals
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Working professionals
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Job seekers
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Women interested in changing careers
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Creatives and digital professionals
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Women who want to improve their workplace productivity
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Beginners with little or no previous AI experience
You do not need to be a programmer or technology professional to benefit from the course. The official Founderz programme specifically states that participants can learn AI without prior technical experience.
What Will You Learn?
The programme covers practical areas of artificial intelligence rather than focusing only on theory.
Participants can learn about:
1. Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
You will learn the basic concepts behind AI and gain a clearer understanding of how artificial intelligence is being used in modern workplaces.
2. Practical AI Applications
The programme introduces real-world applications of AI and how these technologies can be used to solve problems and improve productivity.
3. Prompt Engineering
Participants can learn how to communicate more effectively with AI systems by creating useful and well-structured prompts.
4. AI Ethics
The training also introduces responsible and ethical approaches to using artificial intelligence.
5. AI Cybersecurity and Data Analytics
The official programme page lists AI cybersecurity and data analytics among the areas covered by the course.
6. AI for Business and Entrepreneurship
For entrepreneurs and business owners, AI can be used to support areas such as content creation, marketing, research, customer communication, planning and productivity.
Benefits of the Microsoft AI Skills for Women Programme
Participants who complete the training can benefit from several opportunities.
Free AI Training
There is no tuition fee for the course. Participants can access the online programme without paying for the training.
Official Microsoft Credential
One of the major benefits is the opportunity to earn an official Microsoft credential after completing the course. Founderz states that the credential can also be shared on LinkedIn.
Flexible Online Learning
The programme is delivered entirely online. This makes it possible for participants to learn from home or another location with internet access.
Beginner-Friendly Training
Women who have never studied AI or coding can participate. The programme is designed to introduce participants to AI from the fundamentals.
Career and Business Development
AI skills can be useful for professionals, entrepreneurs and job seekers who want to improve their digital capabilities and adapt to changes in the workplace.
Opportunity for Further AI Scholarships
Founderz says participants who complete the final challenge have an opportunity to compete for 150 full scholarships for its AI and Innovation Certificate Programme.
This means the free introductory programme can potentially lead to further advanced AI learning opportunities.
How Long Does the Training Take?
The official Nigerian programme page states that the training takes approximately three hours and is delivered 100% online.
This makes it suitable for women who have work, school, family or business responsibilities and cannot commit to a lengthy classroom programme.
When Did Applications Open?
Applications is currently Opened, intrested applicants should apply immediately.
Application Closing Date: Not officially specified.
As of the time of publishing this article, there is no official closing date specified.
Important: Applicants should therefore avoid waiting for a deadline announcement and register as soon as possible while the official enrolment page remains available.
How to Apply for the Microsoft AI Skills for Women Programme 2026
Women interested in the programme can apply online through the official Founderz registration portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Registration Page
founderz.com/af/ai-skills-4-women/women-affairs
Step 2: Enter Your Details
The registration page asks applicants to provide basic information, including their name and email address.
Step 3: Accept the Terms
Review the programme's terms and privacy information before completing the registration.
Step 4: Submit Your Registration
Click the registration option to enrol for the free AI course.
Step 5: Complete the Training
Once enrolled, follow the instructions provided by Founderz and complete the available course modules and final challenge.
Is the Microsoft AI Training Really Free?
Yes. The official Founderz programme page describes AI Skills 4 Women as a free course, with online enrolment available at no cost.
However, applicants should always use the official Founderz registration page rather than paying an individual or third party to register them.
Do I Need Coding Experience?
No.
The programme is designed for women without a technical background. Founderz states that women can learn AI without previous technical experience.
This makes it particularly useful for students, entrepreneurs, professionals and beginners who are just starting their AI journey.
Why Nigerian Women Should Consider Learning AI
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the workplace.
A woman running a small business, for example, can use AI to support market research, write first drafts of marketing materials, organise information and improve productivity.
A student can use AI responsibly as a learning and research assistant, while a professional can use AI tools to automate routine tasks and work more efficiently.
For job seekers, developing digital and AI literacy can also strengthen a CV and demonstrate an ability to adapt to emerging technologies.
Founderz reports that more than 57,000 women across more than 30 countries completed the 2025 edition, with more than 600 AI projects developed and 150 full scholarships awarded for advanced AI and Innovation programmes.
What Makes This Opportunity Different?
One of the strongest features of the programme is its low barrier to entry.
You do not need:
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Expensive equipment
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Previous programming experience
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An advanced technology degree
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Paid tuition
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A long-term classroom commitment
Instead, participants need access to the online learning platform and the commitment to complete the course.
The 2026 programme is also available in 13+ languages, helping make AI education accessible to women from different backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Microsoft AI Skills for Women Programme free?
Yes. The official Founderz registration page states that the AI Skills 4 Women course is free.
Who is eligible?
The programme is targeted at women, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs and beginners interested in learning artificial intelligence.
Can beginners apply?
Yes. No previous technical or AI experience is required.
Is the training online?
Yes. The programme is 100% online.
How long is the course?
The official programme page lists the duration as approximately three hours.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Founderz states that participants who complete the course receive an official Microsoft credential that can be shared on LinkedIn.
Is there an application deadline?
No official closing date has been published on the programme registration page that I could verify. Applicants are advised to register early while enrolment remains open.
Can I apply if I am not a technology professional?
Yes. The course is specifically designed to make AI accessible to women without prior technical experience.
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Conclusion
The Federal Government Microsoft AI Skills for Women Programme 2026 provides Nigerian women with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge of artificial intelligence without paying for tuition.
Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, job seeker, professional or complete beginner, learning how to use AI can help you become more productive and better prepared for the changing digital economy.
The programme is free, online and beginner-friendly, and successful participants can earn an official Microsoft credential. There is also an opportunity for eligible participants to compete for further scholarships for advanced AI and Innovation training.
Since no official closing date has been announced, interested women should apply as early as possible rather than waiting for a deadline.