Microsoft Announces Additional $300 Million Investment in South…

Microsoft announced an investment of 5.4 billion rand (roughly $296.81 million) in AI infrastructure in South Africa. Additionally, the company will fund technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals. This follows a prior commitment to invest $80 billion in fiscal 2025 for data center development.

Microsoft has revealed its intentions to invest an additional 5.4 billion rand (approximately $296.81 million) in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure within South Africa. This announcement was made by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith during an event held in Johannesburg.

In conjunction with this investment, Microsoft plans to cover the costs of technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals, focusing on generating expertise in in-demand digital skills. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing the local workforce.

Earlier in January, Microsoft had outlined its broader investment strategy, intending to allocate around $80 billion in fiscal 2025 towards the development of data centers. The aim of this initiative is to support the training of AI models while facilitating the deployment of AI and cloud-based applications.

In summary, Microsoft’s further investment in South Africa emphasizes its commitment to enhancing AI infrastructure and developing digital skills within the local workforce. The company’s planned funding will not only bolster technological capabilities but also provide numerous job opportunities through skill certifications. Overall, Microsoft’s extensive financial commitment highlights the importance of advancing AI and digital skills on an international scale.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com