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MICROSOFT COMMITS TO SKILLING 1 MILLION PEOPLE FOR DIGITAL SKILLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
With its youthful population , rich diversity and rapidly growing tech ecosystems , South Africa and Africa are uniquely positioned to innovate and lead in AI-driven solutions with the right skills and access to digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence ( AI ). To meet this opportunity , Microsoft South Africa announced the launch of Microsoft ’ s AI skilling initiative for South Africa , a programme aimed at empowering 1 million South Africans with growing in-demand digital skills by 2026 .
“ Harnessing the transformative power of AI is no longer a futuristic vision , but a tangible reality for organisations seeking to achieve exponential growth and optimisation ,” said Lillian Barnard , President for Microsoft Africa .
“ We have set an ambitious target to deliver future ready skills to 4 million African youth for digital , cyber and AI technologies . Through this initiative , we believe we will make significant strides toward reaching this goal . By providing skilling opportunities and access to industry recognised certifications , our youth will be well positioned to compete on the global stage .”
Microsoft ’ s AI skilling initiative training programme provides insight into the strategic aspects of AI and empowers leaders with the tools and knowledge to navigate the rapidly advancing AI landscape , unlock its potential and drive their organisations towards unprecedented success .
In Africa and South Africa , the World Economic Forum ’ s Future of Jobs Report 2025 underscores a critical skills gap , with more than 60 % of companies identifying it as a key barrier to business transformation by 2030 . The report emphasises the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling to meet the demands of emerging roles in technology , AI and green industries .
At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to empowering South Africans by equipping them with advanced AI skills . Recognising the growing importance of AI in job markets today , and the future , Microsoft aims to bridge the skills gap and create new employment opportunities for young people . By providing comprehensive training in AI and Machine Learning , the skilling initiative will prepare more people for high-tech jobs in various industries , significantly boosting youth employment and enabling inclusive economic growth .
“ The launch of this AI skilling initiative for South Africa is not just about individual advancement , but more importantly about uplifting entire communities . We believe that by democratising access to AI education we are creating a more equitable digital future for all ,” said Barnard .
The programme targets a broad audience , and in South Africa will prioritise all sectors from companies to government and youth , ensuring that everyone can participate in the digital economy . The content is designed to educate individuals on the fundamentals of AI , empowering them to integrate this powerful technology into their everyday lives .
Aligned to this initiative , Microsoft has introduced a free to learn AI Skills Navigator portal where people can take an assessment to guide them on their AI knowledge journey . It is a comprehensive tool designed to help individuals and organisations build AI skills currently in demand and for the future and offers a variety of learning paths tailored to different roles , expertise levels and learning goals . �
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