Introduced at the Microsoft Ignite Conference in San Francisco, organizations of all sizes gain real-time access to Sophos threat intelligence within Microsoft’s AI-powered environments, helping them strengthen defenses and respond to threats more effectively.

Every day, Sophos processes more than 223 terabytes of telemetry in its Sophos Central platform, generating over 34 million detections and automatically blocking more than 11 million threats.

This global scale of customer insight continuously informs Sophos product and services and fuels the intelligence within Sophos Intelix, now accessible for free to users of Microsoft Security Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

This milestone underscores Sophos’ mission to empower every organization with resilient, intelligent cybersecurity and to democratize cybersecurity for organizations of all sizes, meeting them wherever they are in their cybersecurity journey, within the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem.

Sophos Intelix for Microsoft Security Copilot

Sophos Intelix provides advanced threat context and enrichment capabilities directly into Microsoft Security Copilot, Microsoft’s generative AI assistant for Security Operation Center (SOC) and IT teams.

Security Copilot connects data across Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, Intune, Entra, and Purview, allowing analysts and expert users to query and investigate threats using natural language enriched with Sophos’ insights from protecting more than 600,000 organizations.

These teams are often protecting organizations 24/7/365 and require the latest intelligence at their fingertips at all times to protect their organization.

 Through this integration, security analysts and IT teams can:

• Enrich alerts and triage incidents faster using Sophos Intelix intelligence and services including sandbox detonation and dynamic analysis.
• Investigate indicators of compromise (IOCs) with file, URL, and IP reputation lookups.
• Access global insights and prevalence data from Sophos X-Ops directly within Security Copilot.

Sophos Intelix will also be available in Microsoft’s new Security Store for third-party agents, MCP services, and APIs.

Sophos Intelix for Microsoft 365 Copilot 

Sophos Intelix also integrates with Microsoft 365 Copilot, making comprehensive threat intelligence available and accessible for the masses within everyday Microsoft productivity tools such as Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat.

With Sophos Intelligence in Microsoft 365, IT administrators, risk managers, and business users can:

• Query Sophos threat intelligence in natural language directly within Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Microsoft Teams.
• Check whether links, files, or domains are associated with known malicious activity.
• Strengthen cyber awareness and decision-making abilities within productivity tools they’re using daily.

By embedding these capabilities into Microsoft 365 Copilot, Sophos helps organizations of all sizes make faster, better-informed security decisions without leaving their workflow.

This integration doubles down on Sophos’ vision to democratize access to advanced cybersecurity insights, giving Microsoft 365 Copilot users the same level of intelligence leveraged by sophisticated SOC teams.

Microsoft Agent 365 Capabilities for Sophos Intelix

Sophos Intelix will also integrate with Microsoft’s growing Copilot and agent ecosystem, extending Sophos intelligence across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Powered by Entra-based identity management, this integration enables organizations to bring Sophos Intelix into their agent portfolio with full observability and compliance.

Microsoft Agent 365 serves as the control plane for AI agents, allowing organizations to extend their existing infrastructure, applications, and protections to agents, while using familiar capabilities that have been adapted to agent needs.

Together, these integrations further strengthen Sophos’ commitment to delivering advanced intelligence wherever organizations operate within the Microsoft agent ecosystem.

Meeting the Growing Demands of Defenders 

AI is transforming industries worldwide, and cybersecurity is no exception. Security teams are flooded with alerts yet often lack the resources to keep pace, with small and mid-sized businesses most affected.

In the Sophos Addressing the Cybersecurity Skills Shortage in SMBs report, 96 percent of respondents reported difficulties investigating suspicious alerts and 75 percent struggled to remediate incidents quickly.

At the same time, attackers are accelerating: the Sophos Active Adversary Report 2025 found that data exfiltration begins in just three days on average, with a median of only 2.7 hours between exfiltration and detection, and attackers can reach Active Directory in as little as 11 hours. These findings underscore the urgent need for defenders to adopt faster, more effective ways of analyzing and investigating alerts.

Powered by Deep Intelligence

By exposing Sophos Intelix within the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem, Sophos makes threat intelligence universally accessible, helping organizations accelerate analysis, reduce response time, and improve security outcomes.

“The Microsoft Copilot ecosystem is transforming how people interact with technology by bringing natural language interfaces into the core of its Copilot ecosystem,” said Simon Reed, Chief Scientific Research Officer, Sophos. “The future of SOC productivity is moving beyond the graphical user interfaces we’ve relied on since the 1980s, toward a new paradigm of human–AI collaboration. AI assistants powered by expansive datasets, deep threat intelligence, and advanced systems are fundamentally reshaping how analysts work. By making Sophos threat intelligence available through both Microsoft Security Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot, we’re giving defenders faster, more natural access to insights that help them respond to threats with speed, precision, and confidence.”

“AI is the force multiplier for defenders, and when partners like Sophos bring their agentic innovation into the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem, the impact is exponential. Together, we’re not just building tools—we’re creating a new era of intelligent, collaborative cyber defense,” said Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security.

To learn more about Sophos Intelix integrations for Microsoft Security Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Copilot Studio for creators, and Microsoft Agent 365, check here.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) claims that from October 2024, Microsoft misled about 2.7 million users into thinking they had to upgrade to more expensive Microsoft 365 personal and family plans that included Copilot. 

Prices for the personal plan jumped 45% to A$159 annually, while the family plan increased 29% to A$179.

According to the ACCC, Microsoft failed to clearly inform customers that a cheaper “classic” version of Microsoft 365, without Copilot, remained available. The regulator said that users only discovered this lower-priced option after starting the cancellation process, a design choice it believes violated Australian consumer law.

“Microsoft’s conduct created the impression that customers had no choice but to pay more if they wished to continue using Microsoft 365,” the ACCC alleged. The watchdog said the company’s emails and blog posts also omitted any mention of the cheaper plan, instead informing users that the higher price would automatically apply at renewal.

The ACCC accuses Microsoft of breaching sections 18 and 29 of the Australian Consumer Law, which prohibit misleading or deceptive conduct and false or misleading representations about goods and services. It argues that Microsoft’s approach amounted to “dark patterns,” design tactics that subtly manipulate user behaviour to achieve commercial gain.

In response, a Microsoft spokesperson said the company was “reviewing the ACCC’s claim in detail.” The tech firm has not indicated whether it plans to alter its subscription messaging or reinstate clearer disclosures for customers.

If found guilty, Microsoft could face financial penalties. Under Australian law, the maximum penalty per breach is the greater of A$50 million, three times the benefit gained, or 30% of the company’s adjusted turnover during the period of violation if the benefit cannot be determined.

“Any penalty that might apply to this conduct is a matter for the Court to determine and would depend on the Court’s findings,” the ACCC stated. “The ACCC will not comment on what penalties the Court may impose.”

The regulator is also seeking consumer redress, injunctions, and legal costs against both Microsoft Australia Pty Ltd and its U.S. parent, Microsoft Corp.

The way technology companies bundle AI tools into existing products and communicate subscription choices is currently being investigated, with similar efforts underway in the European Union under the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, while the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is examining subscription “traps” and AI-related disclosures.

The new Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) will go on sale from May 20, priced at $899 and $799 respectively.

Both devices are built with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus processor and are part of Microsoft’s move to expand access to its AI-powered tools without the high cost that typically comes with performance-grade laptops. Until now, most machines capable of running Microsoft’s Copilot+ features were priced over $1,000.

The Copilot+ tag means Microsoft built these PCs to handle tasks like drafting documents using natural prompts or changing system settings by asking a simple question. 

These features run directly on the device and don’t require an internet connection, which reduces dependence on cloud services and boosts privacy and speed.

Compared to last year’s models, Microsoft has cut prices and reduced screen sizes. The Surface Laptop now has a 13-inch display instead of 13.8 inches, and the Surface Pro has dropped from 13 to 12 inches. 

Despite the smaller form factor, battery life has improved. The Surface Laptop can now manage up to 16 hours of web browsing. That’s a three-hour increase over the 2024 version.

These changes, however, haven’t guaranteed demand. According to Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok, “Checks suggest limited appetite for investing in AI PCs given the lack of clarity on the value-added proposition and as new business cases and tools develop.”

Still, Microsoft is betting on utility and timing. With support for Windows 10 ending in October and a wave of users expected to upgrade, the company is positioning these new devices as the right alternative.

Surface devices are not dominant in the PC market, but they serve as showcases for Microsoft’s software and hardware initiatives. The new models maintain the familiar Surface designs—minimal bezels, sleek bodies, and detachable keyboards—while pushing AI capability further into everyday computing.

Each machine features a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard for quick access to AI tools. Wi-Fi 7 support, upgraded cameras, improved microphones, and the ability to connect two 4K displays make them versatile for both remote work and entertainment.

Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Corporate vice president for Windows and Devices, summed up the aim during a press briefing: “We think these new Surface Pro and laptops are for a set of customers for whom affordability is going to be important.”

Microsoft is also using this launch to promote its “Recall” feature, which remembers what has been displayed on screen and helps users search by simply describing past activities. Another update, “Click to Do,” gives actionable suggestions when users select screen content.

Both models are available for preorder now and will come in three colours: platinum, ocean, and violet.

The update, which is now available, brings voice and vision functionality, providing users with a more personalised and interactive digital companion.

The new features, designed to make Copilot more accessible and intuitive, include the ability to engage with the assistant using natural language, similar to a regular conversation. 

Users can ask questions, issue commands, and even interrupt interactions, offering a dynamic way to get assistance. This voice function now offers four different voice options, giving users the ability to personalise their experience.

Added to this, Microsoft has introduced “Copilot Vision,” a feature that allows the assistant to interpret and provide insights on what users are viewing on their screens. Whether it’s text or images, users can ask Copilot for explanations or clarifications, particularly helpful during online shopping or reviewing content. 

However, this functionality is currently limited to select websites for security and privacy reasons. Microsoft is careful to ensure that any engagement with Copilot Vision remains private, with no data stored or used for training purposes.

The redesign also includes a new user interface for Copilot, moving away from a simple chatbot-style interaction to a more structured and visually appealing card-based format. 

This revamped design aims to provide users with a more welcoming experience by offering a “Copilot Discover” page filled with personalised tips, suggestions, and information based on individual usage and preferences.

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, highlighted the influence of Inflection AI in shaping the new design, “The approach we’ve taken draws on what we’ve learned from customer needs and long conversations about enhancing Copilot’s usability.”

Earlier this year, Microsoft welcomed a number of professionals from Inflection AI, including Mustafa Suleyman, now CEO of Microsoft AI. This is Suleyman’s first major contribution to the development of Copilot, as he works towards making the assistant more customer-centric.

One of the most commendable additions is “Copilot Daily,” which serves as a virtual news anchor, reading out brief summaries of news and weather updates. Initially available in select regions like the US and UK, Copilot Daily will soon expand to other areas, offering users a hands-free way to stay informed. 

Microsoft has partnered with reputable news organisations like Reuters, the Financial Times, and Axel Springer to deliver accurate and timely information.

In line with the company’s vision for Copilot, Mehdi also emphasised Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing voice features: “We see voice as the future of digital interaction. Our goal is for users to feel as though they’re conversing with a real person—providing a more natural and engaging experience.”

As part of its goal, Microsoft is also exploring more sophisticated functions within Copilot through experimental features like “Think Deeper.” 

This tool enables Copilot to provide detailed, step-by-step responses to complex questions, such as helping users weigh significant life decisions. Currently available in Copilot Labs for user testing, “Think Deeper” shows the company’s aim to extend Copilot’s functionality beyond basic digital assistance.

The expansion of Copilot’s features comes as Microsoft continues to innovate with AI-powered tools. The redesigned Copilot is available on mobile devices (iOS and Android), on the web, and within the dedicated Windows app. 

For users looking to explore voice features, they will initially be available in English-speaking regions, with more languages and regions to follow.

Microsoft’s long-term plan, as Suleyman shared, is to develop Copilot into a truly adaptable companion that learns from its users, gradually becoming more attuned to individual habits and preferences. “This is not just about creating a static tool,” he noted, “It’s about an evolving interaction, where Copilot grows alongside you—helping with everything from daily tasks to major decisions.”

Appearing on every talk show and in every headline, the technology has, as McKinsey puts it, seen surging interesting since it burst into mainstream media early 2023.

The technology remains in the media because it is relentlessly proving its value across multiple use cases and industries. As a study commissioned by Microsoft and undertaken by IDC found, AI has ‘demonstrable business value’ across key areas such as ‘employee experiences, customer engagement and internal business processes’.

The statistics are equally profound. AI is anticipated to add $10 trillion to the global gross domestic product by 2034, says the IDC survey, with 71% of respondents already using the tech and most seeing a return on their investment within just 14 months.

Amazon predicts it is going to contribute around 600 billion Euros to the European economy by 2030.

Then there are the statistics in Forbes – 64% of companies expect AI to increase productivity, 60% think it will improve customer relationships – and survey after statistic proving that it is exactly what the business needs to succeed amidst the crowd, noise and economic uncertainty.

The challenge really lies in ensuring that the AI promised by the numbers is the AI the business gets to use.

It’s not a plug and play technology (none are) which means companies need to approach its integration with strategic caution. And the first question should be – what cloud strategy should companies be adopting to ensure their AI adoption is both a success and one that aligns with business objectives?

Value is found in ensuring cloud migration – something many companies are still coming to terms with – is for innovation.

Migrate to innovate. This means weaving AI into the process so, at the end of the long hours of planning, migrating and managing cloud infrastructure, there is AI embedded within the business.

Regardless of an organisation’s size, the end result needs to be one that stands firm under pressure from the business and stakeholders and allows for departments and teams to innovate at scale.

The challenge doesn’t lie in the fact that cloud is perfectly capable of bringing AI into the business, but in choosing the right approaches and products.

Right now, every solution has AI attached to it. Everyone has put AI on the tail end of their offerings and now organisations without much experience in AI or how to apply it, are expected to know which application is the right fit for their purpose. The answer lies in two areas – business objectives and proven value.

Yes, AI can give you value but, as a recent Gartner study found, 49% of participants had difficulty estimating and demonstrating this value. And one of the core reasons behind this difficulty is the lack of a coherent strategy.

Once the business understands that an innovation strategy needs to tie into the business strategy, they will immediately step on the road that will take them to the best possible ROI from their cloud and AI investments.

Once strategy is defined, the next step is to prioritise the type of AI. What solution will fit within your business?

Is it easily adopted? Does it slip seamlessly into the gaps and cracks and empower employees to achieve those promised levels of productivity and customer engagement? Microsoft has got this right on multiple levels.

The Azure framework can be customised to fit, regardless of sector or goals, and it comes with AI woven into the very fabric of its capabilities.

Microsoft Copilot is as effortlessly accessible as a drink from the office watercooler and it allows for companies to step right into the innovation. The learning curve and integration challenges are effectively removed.

Azure is a smart approach to a cloud strategy that makes it easy for companies to adopt AI. It is ultimately putting AI within the heart of the business in ways that are practical and relevant..

Practical AI that puts ROI right on the table is found in smart cloud approaches that prioritise strategy. It is also easy found with a partner that understands Azure, AI, cloud frameworks and how to shape these capabilities to fit your unique business model.

When it comes to medium-sized businesses, the allure of the cloud might be undeniable, but there may be a degree of reluctance to relinquish control over vital data and systems when contemplating the best strategy to move forward.

This is where hybrid cloud can come into play – a bridge between the familiar on-premises environment and the vast possibilities of the cloud.

Medium-sized businesses can selectively migrate certain systems, creating a low-risk testing ground, allowing for a seamless integration of cloud capabilities without the fear of a complete overhaul.

400 million paid Office 365 users. That’s how many users have invested into the Microsoft ecosystem as of its latest earnings report which also showcased impressive overall growth for the company at a time when most are struggling.

A large percentage of this growth is attributed to Microsoft’s decision to incorporate Copilot into almost everything – currently it’s available on 75 million Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems and this is only set to grow as more companies adopt the technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) empowered productivity is on a rapid rise throughout the Microsoft ecosystem as it enhances systems and processes across everything from GitHub to emails.

However, companies should pause before they integrate to ensure they get the value they expect from this technology.

Currently, all companies with a Microsoft 365 licence have access to the basic version of Copilot, an intelligent chatbot capable of providing answers pulled from the web.

It provides minimal support within the ecosystem and online and offers no commercial protection for the data that’s being entered into its system.

The next level of Microsoft Copilot is available within companies that have a corporate account or Office 365 licence and an active directory account.

It’s indicated by the Pre-Copilot icon on the desktop and comes with several layers of data protection.

Finally, there’s the subscription model of Copilot that costs $30 per user per month and that grants comprehensive access to everything within the Copilot ecosystem from Outlook to Office to everything else in between.

And this is where companies should pause before clicking the ‘Subscribe’ button. Implementing Microsoft Copilot should follow a steady, incremental approach that allows time for the business to answer crucial questions about infrastructure, strategy and user readiness.

Companies need to consider the journey – how will Copilot best be leveraged within the business, how can it be optimised within different silos and departments, what are the areas that would benefit most from the technology – and their data – how clean is the data, how accessible is it, how can it be fully leveraged by the Copilot functionality?

The most important ingredient for the successful integration of Copilot is the data. It has to be clean, structured and in the cloud. Copilot cannot access data that isn’t in the cloud which means companies will only feel the benefit of the technology if they’ve already embarked on a cloud-ready strategy.

Companies need to know where their data is sitting, who can access that data, and how this will be managed within the Copilot environment.

Managing and cleaning the data needs to be a priority as companies need established data and security protocols to ensure user access to information is contained.

IT needs visibility into which users can access which parts of the system using the Copilot functionality to ensure security and data privacy remain a priority.

Accessing, using and optimising Copilot also hinges on the data layer being connected to the Microsoft Graph – if this isn’t set up correctly, Copilot doesn’t know where to go for information and will essentially be just an expensive AI assistant sitting on the desktop.

It can pull data from Word documents and information on the desktop, but it won’t be capable of providing in-depth analysis, offering perhaps 10% of the true extent of the technology.

However, if the ‘i’s are dotted and the ‘t’s are crossed, Copilot can deliver a return on its initial investment – both in time and money.

The $30 per user per month price tag isn’t cheap, but the hours returned to the business in terms of admin reductions, improved data visibility, enhanced productivity and streamlined collaboration more than add up to a measurable ROI.

Microsoft Copilot is capable of sifting through vast quantities of data to answer core business questions, speed up access to information, find threads and patterns, and identify ways of optimising business processes.

It’s worth the time taken to unpick the data layers within the business and embed the right levels of security.

A Copilot questionnaire should be developed to take customers on a journey through their business, unpacking their data locations, their licensing modules, the number of employees requiring access to Copilot, and their level of access.

With this project-led approach, companies can fully realise the potential of Copilot, creating an environment agile enough to enhance data access and evolve with this technology.

From education to healthcare, agriculture to entertainment, AI is now the engine behind the world’s fastest-moving innovations.

It writes, predicts, diagnoses, recommends, automates, and creates. Whether we realize it or not, AI shapes the future of work, business, and human interaction.

But amid all the breakthroughs, a vital question lingers for Nigeria: will we build our future with AI or merely rent it from others? Will we be part of the architects of this new world—or simply its consumers?

This is not just a philosophical question. It is a national development issue with significant economic implications.

The countries that develop and control AI tools will hold a competitive edge for decades to come. They will own the data, shape the ethical frameworks, set the standards, and profit the most.

On the other hand, countries that rely entirely on imported AI tools risk being locked out of the most valuable aspects of the digital economy.

The decision for Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation—is urgent and far-reaching. We cannot afford to be on the sidelines. Investing in AI development could position Nigeria as a global leader in technology and drive economic growth and job creation.

Fortunately, we are not starting from zero. As of early 2024, Nigeria has become one of Africa’s most vibrant hubs for AI innovation.

The country now ranks second on the continent in the number of AI startups, behind only South Africa. Over 80 AI-focused companies operate across agriculture, health, education, fintech, and logistics sectors. These startups are not just copying Western solutions but creating tools built for the Nigerian context.

Take CDIAL, for instance—the Centre for the Digitization of Indigenous African Languages. Based in Lagos, CDIAL is working to ensure that AI systems can understand and process local languages like Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Tiv, etc.

This work is essential because linguistic representation is digital inclusion in an AI-driven world where voice assistants and text-based models dominate. When machines recognize and understand our languages, our people are seen and served.

Then, there is GMind AI, a productivity and ideation platform that helps entrepreneurs, content creators, and knowledge workers in Nigeria brainstorm, write, and generate insights using a localized AI engine.

GMind is just one of many examples of Nigerians building for Nigerians—leveraging AI to improve local workflows and amplify creativity.

Another standout story is Ubenwa, a Nigerian-born AI startup that uses infant cry analysis to detect health conditions like birth asphyxia in newborns.

These are not just success stories, they are beacons of hope, proving that world-class innovation can come from our soil.

These innovators are setting the pace, but they still need support—support that must come from government, academia, the private sector, and the general public.

Encouragingly, Nigeria’s government is beginning to act. In late 2023, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy launched the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in collaboration with UNESCO.

This strategy provides a framework for responsible, inclusive, and purposeful AI development in Nigeria.

It highlights key sectors—agriculture, healthcare, and education—where AI could make a transformational impact if deployed at scale.

In addition to the strategy, the government introduced the Nigerian Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme. Through this program, 45 researchers were selected and awarded ₦5 million each to pursue AI-related projects.

These researchers, drawn from universities and institutions nationwide, tackle real-world challenges ranging from smart farming to healthcare diagnostics.

This is exactly the kind of foundational investment needed to foster an ecosystem of innovation—where our own researchers solve our own problems instead of depending entirely on foreign expertise.

Further, backing came in 2024 through a ₦100 million AI Startup Fund, created in partnership with Google.

Ten Nigerian AI startups received ₦10 million each, as well as access to technical mentorship, cloud tools, and Google’s global developer network.

This marks a promising start—but it must be the beginning of something much bigger. If Nigeria wants to lead in AI, these kinds of public-private partnerships are not just beneficial, they are crucial. Local venture capital must begin to see AI startups not just as risky bets, but as the backbone of tomorrow’s economy.

Compared to other African nations, Nigeria has several advantages: a large population, a youthful tech-savvy workforce, growing smartphone and internet penetration, and a dynamic startup culture. However, we’re still behind in certain areas.

Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have already developed full national AI policies and are investing in dedicated AI research and innovation centers.

A comprehensive national AI policy could provide a roadmap for AI development, guide investment decisions, and ensure that AI benefits all sectors of the economy. If Nigeria is to keep pace, we need more intentional coordination—not just policies on paper, but real implementation across agencies, states, and sectors.

Education remains a major hurdle. While Nigerian universities are full of potential, most of them still lack AI-focused curricula. Training in data science, machine learning, and ethics of AI is limited to a few departments or private boot camps.

The government’s 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) initiative, launched in 2023, aims to change this by training millions of Nigerians in software engineering, data, and AI-related skills.

However, to fully realize the potential of AI, we need to equip our workforce with the necessary skills. This requires not only scaling up existing initiatives but also updating university syllabi, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and translating AI knowledge into jobs and products.

And that leads to a cautionary tale. While it is tempting—and easy—for businesses and government agencies to adopt powerful foreign AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Bard, we must not fall into the trap of passive consumption.

These tools are incredible, yes. But if we rely exclusively on them, we hand over control of our data, narratives, and solutions to others. Worse still, we reinforce a digital dependency that limits our ability to grow, adapt, and protect ourselves.

We need AI tools that understand Nigerian traffic, climate, food systems, education styles, medical challenges, and languages—tools that reflect our values, ethics, and aspirations.

This means building open datasets from Nigerian sources, training models on local use cases, and creating platforms rooted in our reality.

It also means asking hard questions about who owns the data, who profits from it, and how we safeguard citizens’ rights in an increasingly algorithm-driven society.

Please make no mistake: we will continue to buy AI tools. There is no shame in that. But if we stop buying, we miss the point—and the opportunity. The goal must be to build. Build homegrown solutions. Build capacity.

Build regulations that empower innovation while protecting citizens. Build trust in our ability to create value with code and data.

The talent is here. Nigerian developers are building AI products for global companies. Our young people are winning hackathons and fellowships.

Our research institutions, though underfunded, are full of bright minds. What is needed now is belief—belief in local innovation, belief in our ability to lead, and belief that Nigeria can be more than a market for AI—we can be a force shaping it.

The AI gold rush is not a fleeting trend. It begins a new global era where data is power, and intelligence is the new infrastructure.

We cannot afford to watch from the sidelines while others build the tools of tomorrow. Let it be said that Nigeria stood up, invested in its people, nurtured its innovators, and helped write the code of the future.

*Babatunde Adegbite is a Nigerian software engineer and tech advocate passionate about building local solutions with global impact.

The learning session held at Microsoft Africa Development Center (ADC) had in attendance media partners from print and online platforms and publications.

The training session provided a platform to introduce journalists to the benefits of Microsoft Copilot and its potential to revolutionize the profession.

Microsoft Copilot is an advanced AI-powered tool which offers a wide array of functionalities designed to streamline workflow, enhance productivity, and elevate the quality of their output.

Through this partnership, 9mobile and Microsoft sought to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to leverage Copilot effectively in their day-to-day work.

Speaking at the training session, Chineze Amanfo, PR lead, 9mobile, expressed her enthusiasm and satisfaction with the session, emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowerment within the media industry.

She stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft in providing this invaluable training opportunity for journalists. At 9mobile, we recognize the pivotal role that the media plays in shaping public discourse and driving societal change. Therefore, equipping them with the requisite knowledge and tools such as the Microsoft Copilot, will enhance their capability to deliver on their respective assignments efficiently by disseminating accurate and impactful information to the public.”

“We prioritize our relationship with the media hence, the need for the periodic capacity building session for journalists. With this training, we have clearly demonstrated our unwavering commitment to sustaining the initiative. We will continue to explore new avenues for collaboration and innovation, ensuring that our partners in the media industry have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive, Amanfo added.”

Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, the senior business programme manager, Marketing Communications, Microsoft Africa Development Center, appreciated the participants for their contributions in making the session an engaging experience and enjoined them to champion the message of AI responsibility.

He said, “Microsoft’s Copilot is poised to be a game-changer for journalists. It is a reliable tool for generating and optimising content, staying informed, and enhancing productivity. Our commitment is to harness the transformative potential of AI for societal betterment. Welcome to the future of journalism, working smarter with Microsoft Copilot.”

The capacity-building session received an overwhelmingly positive response from participants, who lauded the practical insights and demos provided.

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a tool as powerful and versatile as Microsoft Copilot, acknowledging its potential to revolutionize their workflow and enhance their journalistic endeavours.

With the successful hosting of the capacity-building session, 9mobile and Microsoft look forward to more areas of sustained collaboration to drive positive change and innovation within media ecosystem in Nigeria.

9mobile and Microsoft put the event together to enlighten journalists on essential skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven media industry.

Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, the senior business programme manager, Marketing Communications, Microsoft Africa Development Center, noted the importance of adopting innovation and leveraging technology to enhance journalistic practices. He said, “The Microsoft Garage provides the tools and resources needed for individuals to excel in their fields”, hence, the training program.

This event was an opportunity for journalists to learn new avenues for storytelling and engage with cutting-edge technologies.

Soromfe Uzomah, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the media industry. He emphasized the ability of AI tools to simplify content creation processes, “AI is changing the way journalists work, enabling them to produce high-quality content more efficiently than ever before.” 

Insights into the practical applications of AI in journalism were explained, including natural language processing, image recognition, and speech-to-text conversion. The importance of data-driven storytelling and the role of AI in uncovering meaningful information from large datasets was also dissected.

Oluwamuyemi emphasized the need for journalists to embrace AI as a tool for innovation rather than a threat to traditional media practices. “AI can enable journalists to uncover new stories and engage with audiences in innovative ways, helping them stay ahead and adapt.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to change the world, and according to Oluwamuyemi, it’s not a matter of if, but how we integrate it into our lives. 

Stressing the importance of using AI responsibly and ethically, Oluwamuyemi acknowledged the power of AI, highlighting its potential for both good and bad. He warned against neglecting AI, comparing it to the shift from typewriters to desktop computers. Those who fail to adapt, he argues, will be left behind.

However, Oluwamuyemi noted the dangers of deepfakes, fabricated videos that can be used to spread misinformation, as a prime example of irresponsible AI.

So, how can we ensure AI is used for good? Spotlight is placed on journalists, who are believed to have a key role to play in advocating for responsible AI.

But journalists aren’t the only ones who need to be responsible. Oluwamuyemi calls for content creators in general to prioritize ethical practices.

AI, particularly generative AI that produces entirely new information, can be a powerful tool for journalists. They must leverage AI’s capabilities while remaining aware of its limitations.

Essentially, Oluwamuyemi emphasized AI as an enabler. He argues that AI can enhance our abilities, not replace them. For journalists, this means using AI to improve storytelling, build brands, and protect reputations.

Ultimately, AI is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it can be misused. So, responsible development and use must be prioritized, ensuring AI benefits everyone.

Wanja Gitonga Discusses Microsoft Copilot for Communications Professionals

Wanja Gitonga, Communications and PR Lead for Africa at Microsoft, presented a session on Microsoft Copilot, an AI tool designed to assist communication professionals. 

What is Copilot? Wanja described Copilot as an AI companion, not an autopilot. It aims to assist communication professionals with various tasks to improve their efficiency and productivity.

Benefits of Copilot:

• Saves time on repetitive tasks across applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Generates summaries of documents and emails.
• Creates social media posts based on prompts and content.
• Analyzes data to identify trends and insights.
• Transforms documents into presentations (e.g., turning a Word doc into a PowerPoint).

Using Copilot Effectively:

To get the most out of Microsoft Copilot, it’s important to develop your “prompting” skills.  Think of prompts as instructions you give Copilot to complete a specific task. 

The clearer and more specific your prompts are, the better Copilot will understand your needs and deliver the desired output.

Aside providing clear and specific prompts with context, you also need to leverage different prompts for various functionalities (e.g., summarizing documents, creating presentations) and review prompts before using Copilot to ensure desired output.

Wanja assured that Copilot is not meant to replace human communication professionals. Rather, it empowers them to be more strategic by taking care of mundane tasks.

Communication professionals can leverage Copilot to focus on creative storytelling, relationship building, and strategic communication.

Wanja Gitonga assured communication professionals that Microsoft Copilot isn’t here to take their jobs. Instead, it functions as an empowering assistant, handling the repetitive tasks that often eat away at valuable time. 

This newfound efficiency allows communication professionals to shift their focus towards the more strategic aspects of their work. They can leverage Copilot’s capabilities to free themselves up for creative storytelling, building strong relationships, and creating impactful communication plans.

The future of communication will be heavily influenced by the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Microsoft Copilot. However, alongside the undeniable benefits, there’s a need for responsible AI development and use. Here’s why:

• Ethical Considerations: AI-generated content can raise ethical concerns, particularly around plagiarism and the potential for bias.
• Human-Centric Approach: Communication at its core is a human endeavor. AI tools should complement and empower human communication professionals, not replace them.
• Transparency and Trust: Building trust with audiences is important for any communicator. Transparency about the use of AI tools is essential.

The workshop was anchored by Wanja Gitonga, the Microsoft Communications & PR Lead Africa (Africa Initiatives and Commerical), and Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, the Microsoft’s Senior Business Program Manager, Africa Development Center (ADC – West Africa), and they demonstrated profound insights in the subject matter.

During the launch of Copilot last year, Satya Nadella, chairman & CEO of Microsoft envisioned a transformative era where copilots and natural language prompts become indispensable.

“Just as keyboards and the mouse are integral to today’s computing, these AI-driven tools will soon be inseparable from our digital lives. They’ll assist us with continuation, summarization, chain of thought reasoning, and more”, Nadella said.

Thus, the workshop-participants explored the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot, revealing the promising opportunities the artificial intelligence presents for advancing marketing and communications strategies.

The session was a comprehensive demonstration of how AI technology can streamline intricate concepts, thus equipping us with the tools to drive innovation within the communications industry.

The workshop facilitated a collaborative environment, with expert guidance and the supportive spirit of fellow attendees who worked harmoniously to demystify the applications of generative AI.

Beyond being an educational experience, the workshop served as a platform for collective learning and a reflection of the boundless opportunities AI can bring to the communications landscape.

According to Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, in an age where AI deeply affects our daily activities, Microsoft has released Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI-powered tool for transforming corporate communications.

Orimolade said the company aims to bring creativity to the organization’s communications department by combining Microsoft Copilot’s expertise with data-driven insights.

As a result, AI adds efficiency while human communicators still provide a unique value. In this article, we will learn how to use Microsoft Copilot for corporate communications.

Gitonga re-echoed that in the dynamic landscape of modern business, effective communication plays a pivotal role in driving success and fostering collaboration.

With the advent of AI, communications are undergoing a transformative shift, enabling organizations to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and foster a culture of innovation.

She reiterated that Microsoft Copilot, a cutting-edge AI-powered tool, is at the forefront of this revolution, revolutionizing the way businesses communicate internally and externally.

Key takeaways from the workshop

. Enhancing Collaboration and Productivity

Microsoft Copilot leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to assist users in crafting compelling and impactful communications.

Whether it’s drafting emails, creating presentations, or generating reports, Copilot provides intelligent suggestions and insights, significantly reducing the time and effort required to produce high-quality content.

By automating mundane tasks and offering real-time assistance, Copilot empowers employees to focus on strategic initiatives, driving productivity and efficiency across the organization.

. Personalized Recommendations and Insights

One of the key strengths of Microsoft Copilot lies in its ability to deliver personalized recommendations tailored to individual preferences and writing styles.

By analyzing historical data and user interactions, Copilot generates contextually relevant suggestions, ensuring that communications resonate with the intended audience.

This personalized approach not only enhances the quality of content but also fosters a deeper level of engagement and connection with stakeholders.

. Streamlining Decision-Making Processes

In today’s fast-paced business environment, timely and informed decision-making is paramount. Microsoft Copilot facilitates data-driven decision-making by providing real-time insights and analysis. Whether it’s analyzing market trends, evaluating competitive landscapes, or assessing financial data, Copilot empowers decision-makers with actionable information, enabling them to make strategic choices with confidence and agility.

. Ensuring Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are non-negotiable aspects of corporate communications, especially in industries dealing with sensitive information. Microsoft Copilot adheres to stringent security protocols and regulatory standards, safeguarding confidential data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

With built-in encryption, access controls, and audit trails, Copilot provides a secure environment for collaboration, mitigating risks and protecting organizational integrity.

. Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Beyond its functional capabilities, Microsoft Copilot fuels a culture of innovation and creativity within organizations. By offering a wealth of templates, best practices, and creative suggestions, Copilot inspires users to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

Whether it’s brainstorming sessions, marketing campaigns or product innovations Copilot serves as a catalyst for innovation, driving continuous improvement and business growth.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Microsoft Copilot is redefining corporate communications by harnessing the power of AI to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and foster collaboration.

With its personalized recommendations, real-time insights, and security features, Copilot empowers experts to communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and drive innovation.

As businesses embrace digital transformation, Copilot stands as a testament to the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing the way we work and communicate in the modern era.

Comments:

Terry Ebimobowei, a participant at the workshop, wrote:

“I was wowed to see the capabilities of Microsoft’s Copilot and impressed by how Copilot is structured, seamlessly integrating work, web, and notebook functionalities. These powerful AI features offer a robust foundation for enhancing productivity and fostering innovation in our work processes. I can’t wait to use it”.

Another participant, Aniwura Omolayo, wrote:

“All through the “Reinventing Communications with AI: Discover the Power of Copilot” workshop, I remember thinking that Copilot is not just generative AI, but the evolution of the marketing/communications sector itself. It is hashtag#AI simplified, ready for you to take the lead”.

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If you haven’t used it, are you now considering deploying it as a communications expert?