Microsoft is investing $296.81 million to expand AI infrastructure in South Africa by 2027. This investment will include funding for 50,000 technical certification exams focused on digital skills such as cloud architecture, AI, and cybersecurity. Microsoft aims to enhance its regional services and solidify South Africa as a data center hub.
Microsoft has announced a substantial investment of 5.4 billion rand (approximately $296.81 million) to enhance its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in South Africa by the end of 2027. This investment responds to the increasing demand for Microsoft Azure services throughout the region.
During an event in Johannesburg, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith indicated that the company would also cover the costs for technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals in sought-after digital skills, specifically targeting areas such as cloud architecture, AI, and cybersecurity.
In previous efforts, Microsoft has allocated 20.4 billion rand to establish South Africa’s first enterprise-grade data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, positioning the nation as a significant hub for data centers capable of supporting the substantial computational requirements of AI technology.
Looking ahead, Microsoft intends to invest approximately $80 billion globally in fiscal 2025 to develop further data centers, which will facilitate the training of AI models and the implementation of AI and cloud-based applications.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s significant investment of $296.81 million in South Africa’s AI infrastructure reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for cloud services in the region. By providing certification opportunities for thousands and establishing robust data centers, Microsoft is positioning South Africa as a critical player in the AI domain while also enhancing the local workforce’s capabilities.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
