• SABC and Microsoft South Africa launched a program on SABC Plus to provide digital and AI skills training to South Africans.
• Microsoft has already trained 1.4 million people and certified nearly 500,000 citizens under its Microsoft Elevate and AI Skills Initiative programs.
• The initiative targets growing labor market demand, with an estimated 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa requiring digital skills by 2030.

South Africa’s public broadcaster, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), partnered with Microsoft South Africa to provide citizens with training in digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI). The program delivers content via SABC Plus, a free streaming platform with 1.9 million registered users.

Tiara Pathon, Microsoft Elevate AI Skills director in South Africa, said, “AI can be a powerful driver of opportunity. By partnering with SABC, we aim to integrate digital and AI skills into the daily lives of millions of South Africans. This initiative provides learners, teachers, and job seekers with practical, certified pathways that prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. Democratizing AI skills is not just a goal; it is our responsibility to build a more inclusive digital economy.”

The initiative forms part of Microsoft Elevate, which equips individuals and organizations with the tools to thrive in an AI-driven economy. It builds on the AI Skills Initiative launched in 2025, which committed to training one million South Africans by 2026. To date, Microsoft reports reaching four million learners, training 1.4 million, and issuing certifications to nearly 500,000 citizens.

The program responds to strong labor market demand for digital skills. The World Bank estimates 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital competencies by 2030. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report ranks AI and data skills among the most in-demand by 2030. LinkedIn reports a 25% year-on-year increase in AI-related hires, with job postings requiring AI skills up 70%, extending beyond technical roles.

According to Microsoft’s AI Diffusion Report, AI adoption in South Africa rose from 19.3% in the first half of 2025 to 21.1% in the second half, a 1.8-point increase. Recruitment platform Pnet notes AI-related job demand in the country grew 352% between January 2019 and July 2025.

Despite the program’s potential, effectiveness remains a concern. Only 25% of SABC Plus’s 1.9 million registered users are active, limiting the initiative’s reach. Free access requires an internet connection, which remains uneven across rural or low-income communities. Citizens lacking digital devices also remain excluded from the training.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM