Microsoft Prioritizes South Africa and Kenya in Global AI Skilling…

Microsoft identifies South Africa and Kenya as priority countries in its AI skilling initiative.
The tech giant aims to train 1 million South Africans by 2026 through diverse educational offerings.
The initiative will include online courses, certification programs, and AI innovation hubs.
Youth Employment Services (YES) partnership aims to deliver 50,000 certifications to South African youth.
Microsoft plans to support over 200 SMEs and 2,000 individuals via a R1.3 billion commitment.
R5.4 billion invested in expanding cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa.

Microsoft’s Global AI Skilling Initiative for South Africa and Kenya

Microsoft has officially named South Africa and Kenya as crucial focus areas in its expansive global AI skilling initiative. As the tech behemoth doubles down on addressing the digital skills shortage throughout Africa, these countries are set to play a pivotal role. During the inaugural AI Skilling Day held on June 25 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Tiara Pathon, who serves as the AI Skills Director for Microsoft, announced bold plans to provide training for 1 million South Africans by 2026. This ambitious campaign will encompass a range of educational tools and programs designed specifically around artificial intelligence.

Diverse Offerings and Strong Financial Commitment

The initiative boasts a rich array of offerings, including online courses and certification programs aimed at closing the technology skills gap. A new platform, dubbed the AI Skills Navigator, promises customized learning paths for various fields such as cybersecurity, software development, user experience design, as well as cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. Furthermore, a collaborative effort with Youth Employment Services (YES) will facilitate the certification of 50,000 young South Africans. To bolster employment, Microsoft has pledged R1.3 billion to support 200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and over 2,000 individuals.

Government Support and Focus on Youth in AI

In his keynote address, Matlole Mampshika, Chief Director of Citizen Empowerment at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, stressed the pressing need for reskilling measures in light of the surging demand in the tech sector and alarming youth unemployment figures. He asserted, “Digital transformation is everyone’s business,” emphasizing that a meaningful partnership between government, industry, and educational entities is essential to bridge the skills gap. Adding to this sentiment, YES CEO Ravi Naidoo pointed out the growing chasm between nations that are driving innovation and those that merely consume technology. He stated, “South Africa has the talent—and the responsibility—to lead Africa in AI adoption, equipping youth not just to use AI but to shape its future,” framing this initiative as a crucial stepping stone in fostering AI leadership among the youth.

The digital skills initiative launched by Microsoft in South Africa and Kenya stands as a significant leap towards addressing the widening skills gap across the continent. With a goal to train one million individuals by 2026, this multifaceted program includes partnerships and financial commitments aimed at uplifting the youth and supporting small businesses. The urgent call for collaboration echoes through the speeches delivered, highlighting a collective responsibility to empower young people as future leaders in AI.