23rd January 2025 – Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, stated on Thursday that 1 million individuals in South Africa should have artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security training chances by 2026. Targeting a wide audience, Microsoft’s (AI) national skilling project in South Africa would give all sectors—from businesses to government and young people—a top priority, Barnard stated during the company’s “AI Tour” in Johannesburg. She withheld revealing the initiative’s investment amount. “Our youth will be well-positioned to compete on the worldwide scene by offering skilling opportunities and access to industry-recognized certifications,” Barnard added.
Having initially established data centres in South Africa, Microsoft, the first worldwide “hyperscale” public cloud provider, has taught four million Africans in the last five years and pledges to teach thirty million more in the next five years. This new project fits Microsoft’s continuous attempts to bridge the digital skills gap in South Africa. Aiming to equip 300,000 young South Africans with AI capabilities, the firm teamed with the Youth Employment Service (YES) in October 2023 to create the AI Youth Training Platform. The platform provides customized training courses that fit different degrees of AI and computer science experience, therefore allowing users to advance from beginner to expert levels. Microsoft also unveiled an AI-driven technology skills development initiative for 2,000 local small and medium-sized micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in September 2023. Using the low-code capabilities of the Microsoft Power Platform, this project helps SMEs create AI-fueled products and solutions.
Microsoft’s combined initiatives are likely to have a major effect on the digital scene of South Africa. Through improving AI and cybersecurity skills among many groups—including young people, government sectors, and SMEs—the firm hopes to support national economic development and global competitiveness. Such programs are vital in equipping South Africa’s workforce for the possibilities and challenges of the future as the digital economy keeps changing. This project emphasizes Microsoft’s conviction that artificial intelligence can propel society forward and economic expansion. Microsoft wants to establish South Africa as a leader in the worldwide digital economy by arming people with modern AI and cybersecurity knowledge.
Microsoft’s activities in South Africa will probably have a global influence as the need for artificial intelligence knowledge keeps rising. Apart from meeting current demands, the organization is opening the path for long-term innovation and competitiveness in the digital era by building a trained and future-ready staff.