Microsoft Corporation is investing 5.4 billion rand to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa, focusing on training 50,000 individuals in digital fields. This follows a prior investment of 20.4 billion rand in local data centers and aligns with Microsoft’s global infrastructure expansion plans.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has announced plans to invest an additional 5.4 billion rand (approximately $296.81 million) in South Africa by the year 2027. This investment is aimed at enhancing its cloud services, specifically the Azure cloud offerings, to meet the growing demand in the region, as reported by Reuters.
The initiative will also include funding for technical certification exams for 50,000 individuals in critical digital sectors such as cloud architecture, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President, shared these developments at an event held in Johannesburg.
To date, Microsoft has invested 20.4 billion rand toward establishing enterprise-grade data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Earlier this year, the company revealed plans to train 1 million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity by 2026, signaling a commitment to developing local talent.
This investment strategy aligns with Microsoft’s overarching goal of expanding its data center capabilities globally, with the company projecting a total expenditure of $80 billion on infrastructure development in the fiscal year 2025.
Microsoft’s substantial investment in South Africa underscores its commitment to enhancing cloud and AI services while simultaneously fostering local talent through certification programs. This effort not only showcases the growing demand for digital solutions but also aligns with Microsoft’s strategic initiative to bolster infrastructure on a global scale.
Original Source: www.gurufocus.com
