Alice Chambers |
Microsoft will invest ZAR 5.4 billion ($3 million) to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa.
The agreement extends Microsoft’s work with the nation, having invested ZAR 20.4 billion ($1.1 billion) over the last three years for data centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“Beyond blazing a trail in the local technology space, the longstanding presence of Microsoft in South Africa is a vote of confidence in our country and in our economy,” said Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa. “The strategic investment announcements made by Microsoft today stands as further testimony to this enduring confidence. They signal to the business and investor community that South Africa’s economy continues to hold immense potential and that it is a favourable place to do business where their investments are secure.”
Microsoft will also train one million South Africans by 2026 in digital skills by paying for 50,000 people to be ‘Microsoft certified’ in AI, data science, cybersecurity analysis and cloud solution architecture.
“For more than 30 years, Microsoft has been a committed partner to South Africa,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft. “This latest investment is part of our broader focus in helping South Africans build a future where technology drives prosperity and young workers have the skills they need to thrive.”