In a significant move to bridge the digital skills gap, Microsoft South Africa has unveiled an ambitious AI skilling initiative aimed at training one million South Africans in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity by 2026. This program is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to equip 30 million individuals across Africa with digital skills over the next five years.
Announced during the Microsoft AI Tour in Johannesburg, the initiative targets a diverse audience, including youth, government employees, and professionals across various sectors. The training encompasses a range of topics from AI fundamentals to advanced machine learning and cybersecurity, providing participants with industry-recognized certifications to enhance their employability in the evolving digital economy.
A cornerstone of the program is the AI Skills Navigator portal, a free-to-access platform that allows individuals to assess their current AI knowledge and receive personalized learning paths. This tool is designed to make AI education more accessible and tailored to individual learning needs.
Microsoft’s initiative is bolstered by strategic partnerships with local organizations such as Afrika Tikkun Services and the Youth Employment Service (YES). These collaborations aim to ensure the training is relevant, impactful, and aligned with the needs of South Africa’s industries.
Further emphasizing its commitment, Microsoft announced an additional investment of 5.4 billion rand in AI infrastructure within South Africa. This investment includes covering the costs of technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals, further supporting the development of a skilled workforce ready to thrive in a digital-first world.
Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, “By democratizing access to AI education, we are creating a more equitable digital future for all.” She emphasized that the program is not just about individual advancement but about uplifting entire communities and positioning South Africa as a leader in AI-driven solutions.
As the continent continues to embrace digital transformation, Microsoft’s AI skilling initiative represents a significant step towards building a resilient and inclusive digital economy in South Africa and beyond.
Sources:
- Microsoft South Africa launches AI skilling initiative to train 1 million people by 2026
https://news.microsoft.com/source/emea/features/microsoft-south-africa-launches-ai-skilling-initiative-to-train-1-million-people-by-2026/ - Microsoft to train 1 million South Africans on AI skills – Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-train-1-million-south-africans-ai-skills-2025-01-23/ - Microsoft SA rolls out AI upskilling initiative – ITWeb
https://www.itweb.co.za/article/microsoft-sa-rolls-out-ai-upskilling-initiative/raYAyMorRxD7J38N - Microsoft to train 1 million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity – FurtherAfrica
https://furtherafrica.com/2025/02/01/microsoft-to-train-1-million-south-africans-in-ai-and-cybersecurity-by-2026/ - Microsoft to train 1 million South Africans on AI skills – TimesLIVE
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/sci-tech/2025-01-24-microsoft-to-train-1-million-south-africans-on-ai-skills/ - Microsoft launches AI skilling drive to train 1M South Africans – Bizcommunity
https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/microsoft-launches-ai-skilling-drive-to-train-1-million-south-africans-586320a
