South Africa: Microsoft, SABC launch national AI skills drive via SABC Plus

Microsoft South Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have announced a new partnership to deliver artificial intelligence (AI) fluency and digital skills training to millions of South Africans through the public broadcaster’s digital platform, SABC Plus.

The collaboration was unveiled at the 2026 Microsoft AI Tour Johannesburg and forms part of Microsoft Elevate, the company’s flagship initiative focused on equipping individuals and organisations with skills for an AI-driven economy. It also builds on Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative, launched in 2025, which included a commitment to train one million South Africans by 2026.

Since its launch, the AI Skills Initiative has reached around four million learners, trained 1.4 million people and credentialed close to 500,000 individuals. Microsoft says the new partnership with the SABC represents the next phase of scaling access to digital learning across the country.

Under the agreement, AI fluency modules and refreshed digital literacy pathways will be integrated into SABC Plus, alongside co-branded digital badges. With more than 1.9 million registered users, the platform is expected to play a key role in expanding access to future-ready skills. Learners will be able to access content on demand, complete assessments and earn recognised credentials.

The initiative comes amid growing demand for AI-related skills. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 lists AI and data skills among the fastest-growing globally, while LinkedIn reports a 25% year-on-year increase in AI hiring and a 70% rise in AI literacy job postings.

“AI can be a powerful bridge to opportunity,” said Tiara Pathon, Microsoft Elevate AI Skills Director for South Africa. “By partnering with SABC, we aim to embed digital and AI skills into the daily lives of millions of South Africans and create practical, credentialed pathways into the future workforce.”

Microsoft South Africa CEO Vukani Mngxati said the collaboration supports national priorities to close the digital divide and prepare young people for the future of work. “By bringing learning directly to where people are – on their devices and in their homes – we are turning ambition into real outcomes,” he said.

Microsoft’s latest AI Diffusion Report shows that AI adoption in South Africa increased from 19.3% in early 2025 to 21.1% in the second half of the year. However, adoption in developed economies remains almost twice as fast, highlighting the need for inclusive skilling programmes.

SABC Chief Operations Officer Lungile Binza said the partnership aligns with the broadcaster’s public mandate. “SABC Plus is a critical national platform for accessible educational programming. This collaboration ensures that innovation serves the public good and opens new opportunities for learners and communities,” she said.

The partnership builds on several existing Microsoft Elevate initiatives in South Africa, including Ikamva Digital for TVET colleges, ElevateHer for women in tech, Civic AI for non-profits and the YES 50K Certification Programme for youth.

Together, Microsoft and the SABC say the programme aims to ensure that access to digital opportunity is not limited by geography or background, and that more South Africans are equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

//Staff writer