The investment agreement between Microsoft SA and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will prioritise skills development in artificial intelligence.
From left: DTIC acting DG Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, DTIC minister Ebrahim Patel , Microsoft SA MD Kalane Rampai and Microsoft Africa president Lillian Barnard .
Microsoft SA and the department yesterday inked the agreement, to be deployed over the next 10 years in the development of black-owned SMMEs in tech and non-tech sectors. The financial value of the commitment is calculated on the company’s estimated turnover over the next 10 years.The investment, says the DTIC, is facilitated under the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme provisions of the B-BBEE Act.
“We believe there is a massive opportunity for those willing to skill up on AI. At the same time, organisations that empower employees with AI tools and training will attract the best talent.” Rampai noted that with the number of local SMMEs increasing by 6% year-on-year, there is impetus to make sure they are sustainable and geared for growth.
“As Microsoft, we believe SMMEs can contribute significantly to developing our digital economy and the wider economic growth of Africa.” “There is hardly a part of the economy and society that is not being enriched and reshaped by technology. This trend has not reached its end; it is part of humanity’s grapple with the changes brought about by technology.
Artificial Intelligence AI Ebrahim Patel Lillian Barnard Microsoft Africa Digital Transformation BEE Deal
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