Microsoft announced an investment of 5.4 billion rand ($296.81 million) to enhance AI and cloud infrastructure in South Africa. This will include funding for certifications in digital skills for 50,000 individuals. The company had already invested 20.4 billion rand in data centers and plans a global investment of $80 billion in fiscal 2025.
Microsoft is set to invest an additional 5.4 billion rand, equivalent to approximately $296.81 million, to enhance its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in South Africa by the end of 2027. This investment aims to address the increasing demand for the company’s Azure services in the region.
At a recent event in Johannesburg, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith announced initiatives that include financing technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals in essential digital skills. These certifications will cover areas such as cloud architecture, AI, and cybersecurity.
To date, Microsoft has invested 20.4 billion rand to establish South Africa’s first enterprise-grade data centers, strategically located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The nation has emerged as a vital center for data processing as enterprises incorporate AI technologies into their products and services.
Furthermore, Microsoft plans a global investment of around $80 billion in fiscal 2025, focused on developing data centers that will facilitate training for AI models and the deployment of AI and cloud applications.
In summary, Microsoft’s new investment highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing its AI infrastructure in South Africa. By providing opportunities for technical certification and establishing data centers, Microsoft not only meets the rising demand for digital services but also supports workforce development in the region. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader strategy to invest significantly in AI and cloud technologies worldwide.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
