MICROSOFT is ramping up its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in South Africa, pledging an additional 5.4 billion rand ($296.81 million) to enhance the country’s digital landscape. The announcement was made by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith at an event in Johannesburg on Thursday, according to Reuters.
In addition to bolstering AI capabilities, Microsoft will fund technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals to equip them with in-demand digital skills. This initiative aims to bridge the skills gap and support the growing demand for AI and cloud-based expertise in the region.
The investment aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand its AI and cloud services globally. In January, the tech giant revealed plans to allocate approximately $80bn in fiscal 2025 towards developing data centres designed to train AI models and power cloud-based applications.
With Africa emerging as a key player in the digital economy, Microsoft’s commitment signals a push to strengthen South Africa’s position in the AI revolution.
