Microsoft (MSFT, Financials) announced a $290 million investment to expand into South Africa’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure by 2027.
The action is based on the company’s early $1.1 billion data center investment in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Recent investments are promoting access to AI-powered cloud services to support companies, government agencies and startups. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa greeted the news, which is evidence of the country’s economic belief.
Microsoft will conduct 50,000-person certification tests on the program’s AI, data science, cybersecurity and cloud computing sectors. To close the national digital skills gap, the company also promises to receive one million South Africans to train by 2026. Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chairman and President, said the initiative complements the business’ long-term plan to give employees the technical capabilities they need.
The business emphasizes sustainability as part of its AI growth and reaffirms its commitment to becoming carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030. With the 34 GW portfolio spreading in many countries, it has expanded its use of renewable energy.
Microsoft has been working in South Africa for more than 30 years, thus supporting workers’ projects and digital learning. In 2024, more than 150,000 people were trained in digital skills and artificial intelligence; 95,000 of them received certificates, and 1,800 of them were hired. The company said recent investments supported its long-term commitment to help South Africa’s economy flourish and maintain jobs.
This article first appears on Gurufocus.
