Zuko Komisa

Microsoft will invest R5.4 billion to develop its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa in order to fulfill the increasing demand for Azure services in the SADC area, according to Brad Smith, the company’s president and vice chair.
In the last three years, the firm has invested R 20.4 billion to develop the first enterprise-grade data centers in the country, in Johannesburg and Cape Town. This investment expands on that investment.
This stream will be led by the Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development Task Force, according to the President, who expressed his excitement about interacting with the Business 20 (B20) and other industry players to support the task force’s efforts.
[WATCH] President @CyrilRamaphosa arrives at Microsoft South Africa for the investment announcement launch.
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 6, 2025
Microsoft’s announcement is a precursor to the South Africa Investment Conference which will take place later in March 2025. pic.twitter.com/KAhsbvpdAR
Ramaphosa said Microsoft’s plans to train one million South Africans in AI skills, machine learning and cybersecurity by 2026 is commendable.
“Microsoft’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s transition to a high-tech economy comes at a pivotal time, when South Africa is hosting the G20. Using AI for sustainable development is among the priorities of our G20 Presidency. The company’s commitment to Africa, and to South Africa, has been solid, dependable and impressive. Microsoft has had a constant presence in South Africa virtually since the dawn of our democracy, having opened up its first offices here in 1992.
“Since then, Microsoft has substantially expanded its local footprint, and now has thousands of partners and customers. The company’s commitment to skills and capacity building is impressive,” he said.
“Microsoft’s plans to train one million South Africans in AI skills, machine learning and cybersecurity by 2026 is immensely encouraging. For a country such as ours, with such a high youth unemployment rate, this comprehensive training will not only prepare young people for jobs in high-tech industries. It will also facilitate self-employment,” Ramaphosa added.
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