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Microsoft has set a bold goal to equip 1 million people in South Africa with artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity skills by 2026, as part of its ongoing effort to drive digital transformation across the continent. Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, made this announcement on January 23, 2025, during the company’s “AI Tour” in Johannesburg.
The national skilling initiative, which is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to address Africa’s growing need for tech talent, will focus on providing training and certification in key areas such as AI and cybersecurity. Barnard emphasized that the program is designed to cater to a wide range of individuals, from youth to professionals across various sectors, including government and business. She highlighted the importance of empowering South African youth with the necessary skills to compete on the global stage.
“Through providing access to industry-recognized certifications and hands-on learning, we are preparing the next generation of leaders who can harness the power of AI to drive innovation and economic growth,” Barnard said. She did not reveal the exact investment Microsoft plans to make in this initiative but emphasized the scale and ambition of the program.
This announcement comes as Microsoft continues to cement its position as a key player in Africa’s digital economy. The company has already trained 4 million people across the continent in the last five years and is now on track to train an additional 30 million Africans over the next five years. Microsoft’s impact in Africa is further evidenced by its status as the first global “hyperscale” public cloud provider to build data centers in South Africa.
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