Microsoft plans to invest ZAR 5.4 billion (approximately US$ 298 million) in South Africa by 2027 to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure. This follows a previous investment of ZAR 20.4 billion to build datacentres in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The initiative aims to assist various organizations and includes skills improvement training in key technology areas. Key figures from Microsoft and the South African government voiced confidence in the investment’s impact on the economy.
Microsoft has unveiled plans to invest approximately ZAR 5.4 billion (around US$ 298 million) by the end of 2027 to enhance its cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in South Africa. This investment aims to cater to the increasing demand for Azure services in the region, complementing the company’s earlier investment of ZAR 20.4 billion (approximately US$ 1 billion) over the past three years, which resulted in the establishment of the country’s first enterprise-grade datacentres located in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The planned investment will empower a variety of organizations, including startups, multinational corporations, and governmental bodies, to leverage cloud and AI solutions. These advancements are anticipated to improve operational efficiencies, enhance service delivery, and foster innovation throughout the South African economy. Additionally, Microsoft intends to implement skills enhancement training focusing on cloud architecture, AI, and cybersecurity.
The announcement was made during a conference in Johannesburg by Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. He stated that, “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.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa also spoke at the conference, asserting that, “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. The strategic investment announcements made by Microsoft today stand as further testimony to this enduring confidence.”
Having operated in South Africa for over three decades, Microsoft currently provides cloud and AI technologies to clients across various sectors including financial services, healthcare, retail, agriculture, mining, and the public sector.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s significant investment of ZAR 5.4 billion in South Africa signifies its commitment to advancing cloud and AI infrastructure in the region. This initiative is poised to enhance operational efficiencies for diverse organizations and create opportunities for skills development. The statement from both Microsoft executives and South African leaders underscores the importance of this investment for future economic growth and technological advancement in South Africa.
Original Source: w.media
