Microsoft pledges R5.4bn investment in SA's AI and data infrastructure

Thousands of youth to be trained in AI skills, machine learning, and cybersecurity siphelele.dludla@inl.co.za Microsoft has unveiled a significant plan for further investment of more than R5 billion in South Africa to train thousands of unemployed youth in AI skills and AI start-ups, signalling a new chapter of technological innovation and economic progress for the nation. The global software giant has already dedicated considerable resources into supporting black-owned companies pioneering 4IR technologies and plans to train one million South Africans in AI skills, machine learning and cybersecurity by 2026. Over the past five years alone, Microsoft has invested significantly in cloud, in data centres, in agriculture and in the digital transformation of government services. Brad Smith, Vice chair and president of Microsoft, on Thursday outlined the multifaceted nature of this…