On October 30, 2023, Microsoft held its “AI: A New Era” event and announced its plans to partner with Presidential Youth Employment Services (YES) to catalyze South Africa’s AI employment revolution. As reported by Engineering News, the collaboration’s goal is to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) platform into the work sphere, ultimately increasing job opportunities. The AI training initiative will directly empower 300,000 young South Africans, with an aim to certify 30 million Africans in AI-related skills by 2025.

What is the Plan and Who is Behind it?

“AI is the defining technology of our time and is rapidly gaining momentum in the country. We are seeing many organizations exploring the use of this technology to drive innovation and growth,” said Microsoft South Africa CEO Kalane Rampai. The partnership aims to boost job creation and enhance overall employability by properly educating participants and creating a digitally inclusive economy. 

While South Africa is considered the most industrialized country in Africa, it has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. According to government agency Statistics South Africa, as of November 2023, 61% of citizens ages 15–24 are unemployed. The overall unemployment rate for South Africa is 33%. Unfortunately, it rises to 35% for high school graduates.

Youth Employment Service is a nonprofit organization that offers young South Africans a salaried, one-year apprenticeship in a corporate job, including intensive professional training. As Microsoft reported, the CEO of YES, Ravi Naidoo, states that the organization is “a business-led response to the unemployment crisis in South Africa and inequality in hiring…funded by the companies that provide apprenticeships.” The goal is to identify driven young employed citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide them with skills to excel in new careers. 

AI Training Projected Improvements

A country that suffers immensely from youth unemployment, South Africa was chosen to launch AI skill development, which will hopefully act as an incentive. All YES employment program participants gain access to the platform and will become equipped with digital and technological skills, encouraging a job-creation revolution in Africa. The artificial intelligence training includes an introductory course that progresses participants into advanced AI programming, opening up employment opportunities. 

According to Engineering News, AI skill development has four focuses: “providing essential infrastructure, building skills and capacity, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and enabling innovation.” Microsoft and YES believe that this technology can give an upward trajectory to the African economy. Analysts predict that South Africa’s AI development can increase Africa’s economy by 50% by 2030. Further, Microsoft’s technological education and employability programs have certified more than four million young people in Africa over the past five years and aim to certify 30 million people in AI skills in Africa by the end of 2025.

Growth for Africa

This new AI skill development will enable thousands of South Africa’s youth with essential digital and technological skills. It not only opens doors to diverse employment options but also paves the way for a future of increased income and sustained economic empowerment. Lillian Barnard, President of Microsoft Africa, notes that the collaboration with YES will focus on youth unemployment and creating a culture of innovation and employability through digital skill development. 

– Samantha J. Rentfro
Photo: Flickr