Stanbic Foundation, Microsoft Expand AI Skills Partnership Through National Training Initiative

Stanbic Foundation and Microsoft are deepening their collaboration on digital workforce development through the rollout of the Microsoft Elevate AI National Skilling Initiative, an effort aimed at expanding access to practical artificial intelligence skills and strengthening digital readiness among communities and institutions.

The initiative, launched in partnership with Pathways Technologies and Konza Technopolis, has already trained 152 participants across multiple counties, focusing on equipping trainers and institutions with foundational and applied AI knowledge.

The partnership combines Microsoft’s technology and AI expertise with Stanbic Foundation’s established reach across youth networks, small businesses and community-based programs. Together, the organizations are seeking to broaden access to digital skills while creating pathways for employability and entrepreneurship.

“Digital literacy is one of the core pillars of Stanbic Foundation’s work,” said Mercy Githanji, Head of Stanbic Foundation. She said the organization has continued working with technical and vocational institutions to strengthen instructors’ ability to deliver digital skills training aligned with emerging workforce needs.

As businesses and institutions increasingly integrate AI into daily operations, organizations are also placing greater emphasis on workforce preparedness and practical technology adoption. Through county-level engagements and community platforms, the initiative is designed to bring training opportunities closer to underserved communities and learners outside traditional technology ecosystems.

“Through partners like Stanbic Foundation, we have been able to deliver training via county-level engagements and community-based platforms, expanding access beyond major cities,” said Winnie Karanu, AI Skills Director at Microsoft. She added that content has been adapted to address practical sectors such as agriculture, entrepreneurship and small business operations.

Stanbic Foundation said it has worked with partners since 2021 to provide digital skills training to women, youth and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Through its Future ni Digital platform, more than 250,000 learners have accessed digital skills training since 2019.

The latest initiative reflects a broader strategy by both organizations to move beyond digital literacy and toward practical AI capability-building that can support workforce development and future economic participation.