Microsoft empowers over 1 million South Africans with free AI training

Microsoft South Africa last year provided free AI training to over a million South Africans as part of an ambitions AI skills initiative. 

The milestone is one of several skills training achievements flagged last month by Microsoft SA’s AI skills director, Tiara Pathon, the keynote speaker at the Cape Chamber’s South Peninsula Chapter meeting. 

Pathon emphasised the significance of the training milestone for South Africa: “The AI economy is really reshaping the way we work and do our jobs – it's a pivotal moment for South Africa to be at the forefront of AI skilling.”

She said the programme, launched at the start of 2024, already had several implementing partners and was working broadly across non-profits, training organisations and government agencies. 

AI would create new opportunities for innovation and growth, Pathon said, adding that Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative illustrated the company’s ongoing commitment “to fostering a future-ready workforce through innovative AI skilling initiatives for all ages across South Africa.” 

“We are on a journey to democratise AI skills across South Africa. Our initiatives are not just about technology—they are about transforming lives and enabling economic participation. By equipping our people with AI literacy and advanced skills, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, innovative, and inclusive digital economy,” she said. 

To support these changes, Microsoft South Africa has launched the AI Skills Navigator portal, a free-to-learn resource that allows people to embark on their own AI upskilling journey. It’s a comprehensive platform designed to help individuals and organizations build AI competencies for today and the future, with a variety of learning paths tailored to different roles, expertise levels, and goals. 

Microsoft is funding various AI initiatives in SA, including: 

• 50,000 industry-recognised AI certifications for young professionals
• AI Training for 300 000 youth in collaboration with the Youth Employment Service (YES) 
• Equipping 200 SMMEs and over 2,000 individuals with advanced AI and digital capabilities. 
• Access the Microsoft Skills Navigator portal here: [AI Skills Navigator].