Microsoft South Africa and the South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC) have partnered to provide AI fluency and digital skills learning for South Africans through the SABC Plus digital platform.

Announced at the Microsoft AI Tour on January 29, this public-private partnership (PPP) is driven by Microsoft Elevate, an initiative aimed at equipping individuals and organisations with AI-driven skills and tools.

It also builds on the AI Skills Initiative launched last year when Microsoft pledged to train one-million South Africans by this year.

Since the inception of the AI Skills Initiative, Microsoft has engaged four-million learners, trained 1.4-million individuals and credentialed nearly 500 000 South African citizens.

In a media release, Microsoft noted that these achievements demonstrate the scale of impact already under way, adding that the SABC collaboration represents the next step in ensuring inclusive access to digital skills in South Africa.

“This partnership with Microsoft is actually helping us, not just . . . to be [a] video demand content platform, but actually to become a capability building ecosystem where we are using trusted public media to introduce AI to millions of South Africans.

“This partnership is a PPP, which really is a winner for us, because millions of South Africans now . . . have access to free content on a free digital platform, which we think is a huge winner for South Africans,” said SABC COO Lungile Binza during the event.

In the media release, Microsoft said the collaboration comes at a time when AI skills are becoming critical for employability. 

It noted that, according to the World Economic Forum’s ‘Future of Jobs Report 2025’, global employers identify AI and data skills among the fastest growing through 2030, while LinkedIn reports that AI hiring is up 25% year-on-year and AI literacy job postings increased by 70%, extending beyond technical roles.

Microsoft argued that these trends underscore the urgency of equipping South Africans with future-ready capabilities.

Together, Microsoft and the SABC aim to integrate AI fluency modules, refresh digital literacy pathways and co-brand digital badges into the SABC Plus platform.

With just over 1.9-million registered users and about 25% active users, Microsoft said SABC Plus offers a powerful channel to democratise access to future-ready skills.

It explained that, through the platform, learners will be able to consume content on-demand, complete assessments and earn recognised credentials that strengthen employability in a rapidly evolving job market.

“As AI skills become essential, our priority is ensuring South Africans have the skills they need to thrive in this AI economy.

“This means new careers, new skills and building confidence in communities. As we step into this next chapter together, AI is going to help power it, but South Africa's talent is what's going to shape it with a focus on progress that's shared as well as felt widely,” said Microsoft corporate VP of data and AI Zia Mansoor during the event.

Microsoft noted that the programme underscores its broader mission to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more, while aligning with South Africa’s national priorities to close the digital divide, prepare youth for the future of work and ensure inclusive participation in the AI-powered economy.

According to Microsoft’s recent ‘AI Diffusion Report’, South Africa's AI adoption rose from 19.3% in the first half of 2025, to 21.1% in the second half, a 1.8% increase. 

Globally, generative AI tools now reach 16.3% of the population, up from 15.1% earlier in the year. 

“AI is diffusing incredibly fast,” said Mansoor.

Microsoft also pointed out that the report also highlights those countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Norway, Ireland, France and Spain, that have invested early in digital infrastructure, AI skilling and government adoption, continue to lead.

“The countries that will advance the fastest are not only those building AI, but those putting it to meaningful use. The benefits of AI are expanding rapidly, but not evenly - a gap this collaboration aims to help narrow locally,” Microsoft said in the release.

The company noted that the memorandum of understanding with the SABC builds on a series of transformative initiatives launched under Microsoft Elevate in South Africa.

This includes Ikamva Digital; ElevateHer; Civic AI; and the Youth Employment Service (YES) 50K Certification Programme.

“When you talk about the future, we are really standing on the threshold of significant global research.

“I don't think that in our lifetime, we'll experience again something like this, where the power of intelligence itself is becoming a vital source of energy, as important as . . . infrastructure itself,” said Microsoft South Africa CEO Vukani Mngxati during the event.

By combining Microsoft’s experience in AI skilling with SABC Plus’ reach into millions of homes, the company said the programme ensures that opportunity is not limited by geography, background, or circumstance.

“Together, the two organisations are creating pathways for learners, educators, non-profits, and job seekers to gain the practical, credentialed skills needed to thrive in the future of work.

“This collaboration is more than a technology initiative - it is a commitment to empower South Africans with the tools to unlock potential, drive innovation, and shape a brighter, more equitable digital future,” Microsoft said in the release.