Microsoft has announced a R5.4 billion investment to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa by 2027. This builds on a previous R20.4 billion investment, targeting startups, SMEs, and government to improve operational efficiency. The company commits to skill one million South Africans by 2026, funding certifications for 50,000 individuals in high-demand digital skills. Microsoft also emphasizes sustainability through its ambitious environmental goals.
Microsoft has announced an investment of R5.4 billion ($273 million) to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in South Africa by 2027, responding to the increasing demand for Azure services. This investment complements the prior R20.4 billion investment made over the past three years, which established premier data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, catering to various sectors including startups, SMEs, and governmental bodies, to enhance operational efficiency and encourage innovation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Microsoft’s announcement as a show of confidence in South Africa’s economy. He stated, “Beyond blazing a trail in the local technology space, the longstanding presence of Microsoft in South Africa is a vote of confidence in our country and in our economy.” Such strategic investments signify the sustained confidence in the nation, as reiterated by Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, who emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering prosperity through technology.
In addressing the skills gap highlighted by the World Economic Forum, Microsoft aims to skill one million South Africans by 2026, expanding its initiative to fund certification exams for 50,000 young individuals in crucial digital skills within the next year. Microsoft Certifications will cover essential fields such as AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity Analysis, and Cloud Solution Architecture, thereby enhancing employability in an evolving digital landscape.
In 2024, Microsoft has already trained over 150,000 South Africans in digital and AI skills, with 95,000 achieving certification and 1,800 securing employment through its Skills for Jobs program. Furthermore, the company has donated over $100 million in software to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations across South Africa over the past year, fostering a collaborative approach to skills development.
The expanded AI infrastructure will adhere to Microsoft’s AI Access Principles, promoting equitable access to technology for public benefit. Moreover, the company has reported on significant strides in its sustainability endeavors, such as securing a 34GW renewable energy portfolio and achieving notable water replenishment projects. These efforts underscore Microsoft’s commitment not only to technological advancement but also to South Africa’s socio-economic development and digital future.
In summary, Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing South Africa’s technological landscape through significant investments and skill development initiatives underscores the company’s belief in the nation’s potential. By expanding its infrastructure, contributing to skills training, and addressing critical sustainability challenges, Microsoft is poised to play a pivotal role in the economic growth and digital transformation of South Africa. Through these efforts, the company reaffirms its long-term partnership and investment in the region’s progress.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
