Microsoft to Offer AI and Cybersecurity Training to 1 Million South Africans by 2026
JOHANNESBURG – Microsoft has announced its goal to provide artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity training to 1 million South Africans by 2026, as shared by Lillian Barnard, President for Microsoft Africa, on Thursday.
The national AI skilling initiative is designed to reach a wide audience across South Africa, focusing on sectors ranging from businesses to government and the youth, Barnard mentioned at the company’s “AI Tour” event in Johannesburg.
Although the investment details for the initiative were not disclosed, Barnard emphasized that by offering training opportunities and access to industry-recognized certifications, young South Africans would be well-equipped to compete globally.
As the first global “hyperscale” public cloud provider to establish data centers in South Africa, Microsoft has already trained four million Africans over the past five years and is now committed to training 30 million more across the continent over the next five years.
