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Microsoft investing R1,3 billion in South Africa to boost job creation and digital transformation: Microsoft has announced an investment of over R1.3 billion in South Africa, which will be aimed at supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and preparing the country for upcoming Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements. Microsoft South Africa says the investment forms part of its broader strategy to foster inclusive growth, enhance the digital economy and drive innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. “The fund will assist black South Africans in non-tech sectors to harness the power of technology and improve their competitiveness and ability to innovate and expand their operations,” said Ebrahim Patel, minister of trade, industry and competition. “It will also act as a bridge to enable young people to get training, certification, and job-placement, so that talented South Africans gain access to the opportunities that arise from an increasingly digitalised world,” the minister added. The Microsoft investment will focus on areas such as data analysis, Cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI and machine learning. Furthermore, the SMME development programme will not only focus on technical skills, but also entrepreneurial capabilities that could help them become engines for job creation. By equipping South Africans with these future-proof skills, the tech giant hopes to spur entrepreneurship, especially among females and other disadvantaged groups. Microsoft Africa president Lillian Barnard said transformative technologies such as cloud and AI could potentially solve some of the country’s most pressing challenges while also unlocking the aforementioned opportunities. “The world is changing rapidly, and the era of AI is ushering in a future brimming with innovation, and the opportunity for Africa is immense,” said Microsoft South Africa managing director Kalane Rampai. – IOL The post Microsoft investing R1,3 billion in South Africa to boost job creation and digital transformation appeared first on The Namibian.

Digital adoption has completely changed the game for small businesses in Africa – not only helping them to overcome significant operational hurdles, but also improving their efficiency, agility and competitive offering. I’m thrilled for Microsoft to have the opportunity to work together with @Orange to reach another million #SMEs across Africa and the Middle East, providing them with the digital tools they need to grow their enterprises. By helping these businesses digitize and unlock new streams of revenue we believe we can have a significant impact on the continent’s economic transformation. Working together, we can usher in a new era of #opportunity. Read more about our partnership: https://lnkd.in/g-CQ2Byn. #MSFTAdvocate #DigitalTransformation #AfricaTransformation

Title: MICROSOFT'S INNOVATION CENTER CLOSURE IN NIGERIA: Causes and Impact on the Economy INTRODUCTION: Microsoft's recent decision to shut down its African Development Centre (ADC) located in Lagos, Nigeria has sent shockwaves through the tech community. The center, inaugurated in 2022 under a significant $100 million initiative, aimed to foster local tech talent and innovation. However, the sudden closure has raised questions about the reasons behind this move and its potential impact on the Nigerian economy. Microsoft's Innovation Center Closure in Nigeria: Implications for the Tech Ecosystem: - Microsoft has announced the shutdown of its African Development Centre (ADC) located in Lagos, Nigeria, just two years after its inauguration. - The ADC was a $100 million initiative by Microsoft to tap into Nigeria's growing tech talent and foster innovation. - The abrupt closure of the center has raised concerns about the underlying reasons and the potential impact on the Nigerian economy. POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THE SHUTDOWN: - The immediate cause remains unclear, but industry experts speculate that the current economic challenges faced by Nigeria, such as high inflation, currency devaluation, and rising unemployment, may have influenced Microsoft's decision. - External factors, like the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the steep drop in global oil prices, have also contributed to Nigeria's economic instability, which could have played a role in Microsoft's decision. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE NIGERIAN TECH ECOSYSTEM: - Over 200 workers, predominantly engineers, are set to lose their jobs, leading to a significant skills drain and potentially affecting the broader tech community. - The closure of the ADC deals a blow to Nigeria's efforts to position itself as a hub for tech innovation, as the center was a symbol of Microsoft's commitment to the country. - The shutdown may raise concerns among other investors, potentially impacting foreign direct investment and hindering the growth of other tech hubs and startups. THE WAY FORWARD: - Stakeholders need to collaborate to address the underlying economic challenges faced by Nigeria, such as diversifying revenue sources beyond oil and creating a more favorable business environment. - Investing in skill development will be essential to strengthening the tech ecosystem and attracting long-term investment. - The closure of the Microsoft ADC serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to reevaluate its strategies and ensure that the tech sector continues to thrive and contribute to the country's sustainable economic growth. #microsoft #innovation #center #tech #hub #jobs #closure #Lagos #Nigeria ---

I recently had a thought-provoking discussion on CNBC Africa with industry leaders like Zanele Morrison; Hardy Pemhiwa (Cassava Technologies); Carl Manlan (Visa CEMEA); Lillian Barnard (Microsoft Africa); and Juanita Clark (DIGITAL COUNCIL AFRICA) and it left a lingering question: how can we make sure that data and technology truly empower Africa's population? At Google, this very question has always been our guiding principle in navigating the continent's digital landscape. Data is powerful, but only when it's relevant to the needs on the ground. That's why our investments in AI and infrastructure development are focused on empowering Africans. We advocate for policies and partnerships with governments to bridge the digital divide across all regions, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in this exciting new world. But access is just one piece of the puzzle. Google recognises the critical role of small businesses in driving Africa's economic engine, which is why we're committed to fostering an environment where startups can thrive. Since 2018, our Google Accelerator program has empowered over 100 startups, collectively raising $250 million to develop solutions that address Africa's unique challenges. With Google’s vision I believe we can develop a vibrant ecosystem on the continent built on a strong foundation that involves training and development initiatives, infrastructure investment, and collaborative frameworks with governments that nurture innovation and growth.

Microsoft South Africa has announced a landmark investment of $70 million, aimed at promoting economic growth and accelerating the nation’s adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). This significant investment is part of a 10-year agreement with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) and is designed to support small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), create jobs locally, and prepare South Africa for the AI revolution. A substantial portion of this investment, $34.6 million, will fund an enterprise development program focused on supporting technology businesses led by black South African entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in disruptive technologies. Additionally, $18.9 million will be allocated to a skills development effort aimed at providing young black South Africans with extensive training through certification courses and leadership programs. An R&D initiative worth $8.7 million will also fund research programs, including a $2.7 million investment in emerging technologies for industrialization and localization initiatives. Kalane Rampai, Microsoft SA MD, emphasized the transformative potential of AI, stating, “We believe there is a massive opportunity for those willing to skill up on AI. At the same time, organizations that empower employees with AI tools and training will attract the best talent.” Lillian Barnard, President for Microsoft Africa, highlighted the broader impact of the investment, saying, “Consistent with our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, this investment represents our commitment to empowering individuals and small businesses to be part of Africa’s digital economy and to drive job creation and growth that will benefit the entire region.” Microsoft’s investment will equip 200 SMMEs and over 2,000 individuals with advanced AI knowledge, preparing them for the jobs of the future and driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth in South Africa. #MicrosoftSA #AIRevolution #EconomicGrowth #DigitalTransformation #SMMEs #TechInnovation #JobCreation #InclusiveGrowth #hakunamatatamedia

This is Africa’s Digital Decade,’ says Alex Okosi, Google’s MD for Africa. With digital transformation reshaping sectors across the continent, Google is supporting initiatives in connectivity, tech skills, and innovation hubs. Find out how these investments are paving the way for Africa’s digital future. Read more: #GoogleAfrica #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfAfrica #TechInnovation

#INVESTMENT IN #AFRICA Microsoft and G42 Announce USD 1 Billion Digital Ecosystem Initiative for Kenya. Microsoft Corporation and G42 have announced a comprehensive digital investment package in Kenya in partnership with the Republic of Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. Details below 👇🏾 https://lnkd.in/dYS-F--F Image from Africa News Aagency website #africaninajapan #investmentopportunity #investmentinafrica

Empowering innovators to create real-world impact! Through our partnership with Microsoft Microsoft Africa Development Centre, we're bridging the gap between tech skills and tangible solutions. Together, we're shaping a future of inclusive innovation. #InnovationImpact #TechForGood #JHUBAfrica Dr. Lawrence Nderu Catherine Muraga Irene Githinji Lydiah Karanja Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

++ Microsoft and G42 Announce $1 Billion Digital Investment in #Kenya ++ Microsoft Corp. and G42 on Wednesday announced a comprehensive package of digital investments in Kenya, as part of an initiative with the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. "This partnership is bigger than technology itself. It is about coming together of three countries with a common vision of a nation empowered by technology, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive in the global digital landscape. It’s about building a future where Kenya flourishes as a digital leader." - His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, PhD, President, Kenya "This partnership between two companies and three countries highlights a real opportunity to bring digital technology to the Global South in a safe and secure manner. This represents the single largest and broadest digital investment in Kenya’s history and reflects our confidence in the country, the government, its people and the future of East Africa. Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft In partnership with Microsoft, we are excited to work with the Kenyan government to usher in a transformative era for the digital ecosystem in Kenya and the region. By establishing a green data center and developing AI tailored to the local culture, G42 is committed to fostering sustainable technological growth. This initiative will empower the Kenyan government and communities with robust, secure cloud services and AI capabilities, providing the foundation for a thriving digital economy across the region." - Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer, G42 #techafricanews #africa #kenya #sustainable #technological #growth #cloud #services #artificialintelligence #digitaleconomy