Microsoft South Africa unveils AI skills partnership with SABC at AI Tour Johannesburg
Date: 2026-01-30
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Microsoft
South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence
adoption and digital skills development across the country during the AI Tour
Johannesburg, where industry leaders, innovators and partners gathered to
discuss the future of AI-enabled growth.
Speaking
at the event, Microsoft South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Vukani Mngxati,
described the gathering as a defining moment in the company’s engagement with
South Africa’s digital transformation journey. He emphasized the role of AI as
a powerful enabler for people, businesses and communities when applied with
intention, responsibility and inclusivity.
A
key announcement at the AI Tour was a new collaboration between Microsoft South
Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to integrate
future-ready digital skills content into the SABC Plus platform. The
partnership will make AI fluency modules, refreshed digital literacy pathways
and co-branded digital badges available on demand, significantly expanding
access to digital skills learning for South Africans.
The
initiative forms part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to build a digitally
confident and economically resilient nation by lowering barriers to skills
acquisition and leveraging widely accessible platforms to reach diverse
audiences.
The
AI Tour Johannesburg brought together leaders, creators and partners from
across the technology ecosystem, reflecting strong interest in shaping the
responsible use of AI to drive innovation and inclusive growth. Microsoft
highlighted the importance of collaboration between technology providers,
institutions and communities in ensuring that AI’s rapid advancement translates
into tangible socio-economic benefits.
The
company expressed appreciation to participants, partners and its local and
regional leadership teams for their contributions to the success of the event,
noting that the Johannesburg tour marks the beginning of deeper engagements
aimed at unlocking the full potential of AI in South Africa.
