Microsoft plans to train 1M people on AI skills in South Africa - report

Tag: General news
Published On: January 24, 2025
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) intends to provide 1 million people in South Africa with AI and cybersecurity training opportunities by 2026, Reuters reported, citing Lillian Barnard, president for Microsoft Africa.
At the company's 'AI Tour' in Johannesburg, Barnard said that Microsoft's national training measures are aimed at a broad audience, and in South Africa it will prioritize all sectors from companies to government and the youth, the report added.
"By providing skilling opportunities and access to industry recognised certifications, our youth will be well positioned to compete on the global stage," Barnard said.
Microsoft, the first global "hyperscale" public cloud provider to build data centres in South Africa, has trained four million Africans in the last five years and has committed to train 30 million Africans in the next five years.