Microsoft’s $300 Million Investment to Enhance South Africa’s AI…

Microsoft is set to invest 5.4 billion rand more into South Africa’s AI and cloud infrastructure by 2027, enhancing its Azure services and promoting digital skills training for 50,000 individuals. This follows an earlier investment of 20.4 billion rand for data centres, making South Africa a critical AI hub. Additionally, Microsoft is planning an $80 billion global investment in data centres for AI development in fiscal 2025.

Microsoft has announced a significant investment of 5.4 billion rand (approximately $296.81 million) aimed at expanding its artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in South Africa by 2027. This investment is a response to the increasing demand for Microsoft Azure services within the region.

During an event in Johannesburg, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith stated that the firm will finance technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals, offering credentials in critical areas such as cloud architecture, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Previously, Microsoft has allocated 20.4 billion rand towards establishing the first enterprise-grade data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These facilities position South Africa as a pivotal hub for data centres, essential for managing the substantial computational demands associated with AI integration.

Moreover, Microsoft plans to invest approximately $80 billion globally in the fiscal year 2025, focusing on developing data centres that are crucial for training AI models and deploying cloud-based applications.

In summary, Microsoft’s forthcoming investment of $300 million will significantly enhance its AI and cloud capabilities in South Africa, addressing regional demand and fostering the growth of digital skills through extensive training initiatives. The company’s ongoing commitment to establishing robust data centre infrastructure reinforces South Africa’s emerging role as a key player in the AI landscape.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com