Microsoft is set to strengthen its presence in South Africa by investing $298 million in artificial intelligence development and the expansion of its data centers, according to an announcement by Brad Smith, the company’s vice chairman, during a conference in Johannesburg.
This investment is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy, bringing its total investment in the country’s digital infrastructure to $1 billion, including previously announced amounts. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed this initiative, calling it an exceptional opportunity to drive the country’s digital economy forward.
Additionally, Microsoft will provide advanced training for 50,000 people in cloud computing engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, enhancing the local market’s readiness to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
