• Microsoft prioritizes South Africa and Kenya in AI skilling efforts.
• Aim to train 1 million South Africans by 2026.
• Initiative includes online courses and certification programs.
• The new AI Skills Navigator offers tailored learning paths.
• Partnership with YES to deliver 50,000 certifications to youths.
• Microsoft invested R5.4 billion in local AI infrastructure.
• Government emphasizes urgent need for digital skills reskilling.
• Youth leaders aim to position South Africa as an AI innovator.

Microsoft’s AI skilling plans for South Africa and Kenya

Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative is gaining significant attention as the tech giant prioritizes South Africa and Kenya in a bid to bridge the digital skills gap across the continent. At the AI Skilling Day held on June 25 at Gallagher Convention Centre, Tiara Pathon, Microsoft’s AI Skills Director, announced ambitious plans aimed at training 1 million South Africans by 2026. This plan involves a robust suite of educational tools and programs designed specifically to foster AI skills, aiming to empower an emerging workforce in a rapidly changing job market.

Rich educational resources and partnerships

The initiative encompasses a variety of resources, including online courses, certification programs, and the establishment of AI innovation hubs across South Africa. Central to this initiative is the newly launched AI Skills Navigator platform that will offer tailored learning paths in various key areas such as cybersecurity, software development, UI/UX design, cloud computing, and of course Microsoft Azure. Additionally, this program aims to partner with Youth Employment Services (YES) to deliver an impressive tally of 50,000 certifications to young South Africans, while also supporting 200 SMEs and over 2,000 individuals through a sizable R1.3 billion job creation commitment.

Government’s role in the digital transformation

Furthermore, Microsoft has poured an impressive R5.4 billion into enhancing hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure within South Africa, a move that speaks volumes about its commitment to bolstering the digital economy. In a keynote address, Matlole Mampshika, the Chief Director of Citizen Empowerment at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, stressed the immediacy of reskilling initiatives given the rapid tech-sector growth and alarming youth unemployment rates. Emphasizing a collaborative approach, he stated that bridging the skills gap requires concerted efforts from government, industry, and educational institutions alike to foster a thriving digital landscape.

Empowering the youth for future tech leadership

Ravi Naidoo, CEO of YES, voiced similar sentiments, pointing out the critical divide between countries that innovate and those that merely consume technology. He remarked that South Africa possesses the talent and the duty to be at the forefront of AI adoption on the continent. Naidoo firmly believes that the focus should be on equipping the youth not only to utilize AI tools but more importantly, to actively shape the future of the technology. The AI Skilling Day gathered over 2,000 diverse attendees including learners, industry leaders, government representatives, and partners who are all dedicated to fostering an AI-ready, inclusive workforce, which is essential for driving South Africa’s digital transformation forward.

In summary, Microsoft’s commitment to training 1 million South Africans by 2026 as part of its AI skilling initiative marks a crucial step towards addressing the continent’s digital skills gap. With the support of government and various partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance educational resources, provide meaningful certifications, and foster an inclusive workforce to position South Africa as a leader in AI. The multi-faceted approach promises strong outcomes by empowering the youth, fostering local innovation, and ultimately transforming the digital landscape.