Microsoft Adds R5bn To Sa Investment With Youth And Sme Benefits
Written by: BizCommunity Editor Save to Instapaper
Microsoft vice chair and president, Brad Smith with President of the Republic of South Cyril Ramaphosa
"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,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said welcoming the announcement.
“The strategic investment announcements made by Microsoft today stands as further testimony to this enduring confidence."
Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, stated that Microsoft had been a dedicated partner to South Africa for over 30 years.
“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."
Addressing the skills gap
According to the World Economic Forum, 60% of companies in the Global South identify critical skills gaps as key barriers to digital transformation by 2030.
To address this challenge, Microsoft has committed to skilling one million South Africans by 2026.
The company is now expanding this initiative by funding certification exams for 50,000 young people in high-demand digital skills over the next 12 months.
These Microsoft Certifications will cover areas such as AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity Analysis, and Cloud Solution Architecture.
Building on 30 years of investment
In 2024 alone, the company trained more than 150,000 people in digital and AI skills, with 95,000 becoming certified and 1,800 securing employment through Microsoft's Skills for Jobs programme.
Additionally, Microsoft has provided over $100m in donated and discounted software to South African educational institutions, nonprofit organisations, public libraries, and museums over the past year.
Microsoft believes South Africa can lead Africa's transition from being consumers to producers of AI technology. A recent UN report highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure investments and regulatory frameworks – specifically in connectivity and AI governance.
Sustainability commitments
The expanded AI infrastructure in South Africa will operate under its AI Access Principles, ensuring broad access to AI technology that serves the public good.
Microsoft used the opportunity to update on progress in its sustainability journey.
Since announcing goals to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, the company has:
- Become one of the world's largest carbon-free energy buyers with a 34GW contracted renewable energy portfolio across 24 countries
- Developed 90 water replenishment projects in over 40 locations worldwide
- Exceeded its land protection goal by protecting over 64km2 – more than 40% above its initial target
The company continues to address sustainability challenges as it grows its infrastructure globally and locally, reinforcing its commitment to South Africa's economic growth and digital future.
We submit and automate press releases distribution for a range of clients. Our platform brings in automation to 5 social media platforms with engaging hashtags. Our new platform The Pulse, allows premium PR Agencies to have access to our newsletter subscribers.
Latest from
- Mango Airlines Faces Structured Wind Down After Court Rulings And Investor Withdrawal End Rescue Hopes
- Regulator Penalises LAM For Unlawful Domestic Flight Surcharges And Investigation Obstruction
- IR Committee Chair Warns That Mixed Diplomatic Messaging Could Damage South Africa’s Global Standing
- Energean Expands African Gas Strategy As Silver Partner At African Energy Week 2025 In Cape Town
- Effie Awards South Africa Names 2025 Grand Jury To Judge Marketing Effectiveness Excellence
- MultiChoice And FazMedia Partner To Provide Cost Effective Advertising Solutions For South African SMEs
- Jendamark Prepares For Impact Of US Tariffs On South African Automotive Component Exports
- Industry First As Growthpoint And FlySafair Launch Travel Voucher Benefit For Office Tenants
- National Dialogue Leaders Confirm Readiness For First Convention At UNISA In August 2025
- VML’s Sihle Delport Wetselaar Celebrates Women’s Strength And Supports Female Entrepreneurs
- Inside Congo’s Rebel Controlled Coltan Mines Fueling The Global Smartphone And Tech Supply Chain
- North West University Hosts Inter Schools Spelling Bee To Encourage Academic Achievement
- Sonangol Becomes Lead Sponsor Of African Energy Week 2025 As Angola Reaches Key Production Milestones
- Stats SA Reports Q2 2025 Unemployment Increase To 33.2 Percent Despite Modest Job Gains
- Cape Town Mayor Challenges Property Owners Association Over Legal Dispute On City Budget
The Pulse Latest Articles
- Rethinking The Finish Line: Why BTEC Might Be The Qualification South African Learners Actually Deserve (August 15, 2025)
- Hansgrohe Reinvents The Washbasin With Avalegra (August 15, 2025)
- From Tiktok To The Karoo: New SA Initiative Reclaims Manhood Through Wilderness (August 14, 2025)
- Rode Report Expands Coverage To Include Multifamily Rental Housing (August 13, 2025)
- How Women At Steinmüller Africa Are Reshaping Industry Leadership (August 13, 2025)