Microsoft Announces Ambitious AI Skilling Initiative in South Africa
Johannesburg, January 23, 2025 – Recognizing Africa and South Africa’s potential to lead in AI-driven solutions, Microsoft has announced the launch of its AI skilling initiative for South Africa. The program aims to equip one million South Africans with in-demand digital skills related to Artificial Intelligence by 2026.
“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,” stated 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. We believe we will make significant strides toward reaching this goal and our youth will be well positioned to compete on the global stage.”
Microsoft’s program provides in-depth knowledge of AI, equipping leaders with the tools necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, unlock its potential, and drive organizational success.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights a critical skills gap in both Africa and South Africa, with over 60% of companies identifying this as a major hurdle to business transformation by 2030. The report emphasizes the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling to meet the demands of emerging roles in technology, AI and green industries.
At its core, the initiative aims to empower South Africans by providing them with crucial AI skills. This focus seeks to create job opportunities for young people by bridging the existing skills gap, enabling people to thrive in high-tech positions. It also aims to foster 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,” explained Barnard. The program aims to address the needs of diverse sectors, from different companies to government agencies, prioritizing youth participation.
To support this initiative, Microsoft has launched a free-to-learn AI Skills Navigator portal. Here users can take an assessment to guide their AI journey. This tool provides guidance and resources to help individuals and organizations cultivate both in-demand and future-proof AI abilities, offering various learning paths based on differing roles, expertise, and career goals.
“The programme is not just about employment but fostering a culture of innovation. Digital skills are the foundation of modern innovation and through this initiative, we want to ensure that South Africans are at the forefront of technological advancement,” added Barnard.
The AI skilling program will be amplified through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, ICT training providers, governmental, non-governmental organizations, and public and private sector organizations. Collaborations with implementation partners such as Afrika Tikkun Services and Youth Employment Service (YES) will play a crucial role in ensuring that the training provided is relevant, impactful, and aligned with the needs of industries.
The Future of Jobs 2025 report highlights the significance of collaborative efforts by public, private, and educational sectors in building a resilient and equitable workforce across South Africa and the African continent. As the country and the continent continue embracing digital transformation, initiatives like this one will become increasingly crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind.
By making AI education more accessible, Microsoft is working toward empowering underserved communities with cutting-edge technology skills and contributing to a brighter, more prosperous future.
“Together, by delivering on the promise of AI, we can chart a course for Africa to become the next global economic powerhouse,” Barnard concluded.
