Microsoft plans to provide artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity training opportunities to one million South Africans by 2026, Lillian Barnard, President for Microsoft Africa, announced on Thursday during the company’s “AI Tour” in Johannesburg.
The initiative, part of Microsoft’s national AI skilling program, aims to reach a wide audience, prioritizing businesses, government sectors, and the youth in South Africa. While Barnard did not disclose the investment amount, she emphasized the program’s goal of equipping participants with industry-recognized certifications.
“By providing skilling opportunities and access to industry-recognized certifications, our youth will be well-positioned to compete on the global stage,” Barnard said.
Microsoft, the first global “hyperscale” public cloud provider to establish data centers in South Africa, has already trained four million Africans over the past five years. The company has pledged to expand this impact by training 30 million Africans in various digital skills within the next five years.
This initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to fostering digital transformation and addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in AI and cybersecurity across the continent.
