Microsoft, DSN Promote AI Adoption Among NGOs

July 2, 2024

Microsoft and Data Science Nigeria have joined forces to promote artificial intelligence capacity development among non-profit oranisations.

The inaugural AI for Non-Profit Organisations and Social Good Summit, held recently at Microsoft’s Lagos office, aimed to empower non-profits to leverage AI for social impact.

The Chief Executive Officer of DSN, Dr Bayo Adekanmbi, highlighted the importance of on-going 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,” Adekanmbi said.

The summit gathered leaders from various sectors and NGOs to learn and network collaboratively.

AI offers immense potential for non-profits to scale their social impact interventions.

According to Adekanmbi, as a general-purpose technology, AI could significantly improve the quality of life in sectors such as health, financial inclusion, agriculture, and education.

The summit showcased how AI could enhance efficiency, scale impact, and address socio-economic challenges, particularly in low-resourced countries like Nigeria.

The Sub-Saharan Africa Philanthropies Lead at Microsoft, Winnie Karanu, reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to driving AI transformation in the sector.

“At Microsoft, we believe that AI can be a powerful force for good in Nigeria, helping solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the country.

“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,” stated Karanu.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Adekanmbi.

The panel focused on the role of AI in the social good, sharing practical examples and emphasizing the importance of ethical AI development.

Panellists included senior lecturer from the University of Lagos, Dr Oladipupo Sennaike; Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Ms Odunayo Sanya; Information Management Officer and expert on humanitarian affairs, Dr Frederick Atenaga; and Head of ICT and Vice-President of GIEVA, Sunday Taiwo.

Participants also engaged in hands-on workshops, acquiring practical AI skills to apply in their organizations.

They explored various cutting-edge digital tools designed to enhance the social impact of non-profits.

The sessions demonstrated emerging AI applications for key non-profit operations such as fundraising, program planning, human resource management, partner management, outreach optimisation, personalized donor management, and precision-based intervention.