Microsoft South Africa announced the launch of its AI skilling initiative for the country, a programme aimed at empowering one million South Africans with digital skills by 2026. According to Microsoft, the programme targets a broad audience, and in South Africa will prioritise all sectors from companies to government and youth. The content is designed to educate individuals on the fundamentals of AI, empowering them to integrate this powerful technology into their everyday lives, Microsoft said on January 23, 2025.
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Empowering South Africa with AI Skills
"Harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (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 four 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."
Addressing the Critical Skills Gap
The initiative seeks to address the critical skills gap highlighted by the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, which indicates that over 60 percent of companies face challenges in adapting to business transformation due to skill shortages. "The report emphasises the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling to meet the demands of emerging roles in technology, AI and green industries," Microsoft said.
"By providing comprehensive training in artificial intelligence 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," Microsoft highlighted.
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"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," Barnard added.
AI Skills Navigator
In addition to the training, Microsoft said it has introduced a free AI Skills Navigator portal that guides individuals through assessments to determine their AI proficiency and recommends tailored learning paths.
Microsoft will also partner with educational institutions, ICT training providers, government, non-governmental organisations, and public and private sector organisations to ensure the relevance and impact of its training efforts. Key partners in the initiative include Afrika Tikkun Services and Youth Employment Service (YES).
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"By 2030, the continent could become a more significant player in the global economy, drawing on AI to revolutionise industries and boost productivity. Together, by delivering on the promise of AI, we can chart a course for Africa to become the next global economic powerhouse," Barnard concluded.
