Latest news with #MicrosoftSouthAfrica
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
'AI already reshaping traditional job functions', Microsoft SA says
Microsoft said AI will create new opportunities for innovation and growth. Microsoft South Africa's artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping traditional job functions and will create new opportunities for innovation and growth. The software giant hosted its AI Skilling Day, a landmark event bringing together more than 2 000 pupils, industry leaders, customers, partners, government officials, and community stakeholders dedicated to advancing the future of South Africans. Technological landscape Over the past three decades, the technological landscape has experienced significant changes, characterised by three major platform transitions—from the PC-server era to the rise of the internet, leading to the mobile and cloud era, with a fourth transition on the horizon driven by AI. Microsoft stated that this shift is affecting industries and altering the way businesses function. 'As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly central to economic growth, job creation, and social development. 'Microsoft South Africa's AI Skilling Day serves as a platform to showcase the strides made in equipping citizens with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy, and to inspire further investment in digital literacy for all South Africans,' Microsoft said. ALSO READ: AI agents to enhance interaction with computers, Microsoft says Milestones Since 2024, Microsoft South Africa has rolled out a comprehensive suite of AI initiatives, including online courses, certification programmes, community outreach, and innovation hubs, designed to bridge the digital divide. Microsoft South Africa AI Skills Director Tiara Pathon said the AI Skilling day marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to democratise AI skills across South Africa. 'Our initiatives are not just about technology—they are about transforming lives and enabling economic participation. By equipping our people with AI literacy and advanced skills, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, innovative, and inclusive digital economy.' Collaborations At the heart of AI Skilling Day was a shared vision among the government, the private sector, and civil society to harness AI. Matlole Mampshika, Chief Director of Citizen Empowerment and Capacity Development at the Department of Digital Communication and Technologies, stated that collaboration between the government, industry, educational institutions, the international community, youth structures, and labour organisations is imperative to ensure sustainable solutions for South Africa's economy. 'The South African government recognises the transformative potential of AI to address local development challenges—from healthcare and education to agriculture and governance'. Microsoft has partnered with local universities, vocational colleges, and NGOs to expand access to AI education, particularly for young people and marginalised communities. The company's national AI skilling initiatives have already exceeded the target of training one million learners since inception. ALSO READ: SA startup joins Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 9 as AI innovators get boost Empowering youth A key highlight of AI Skilling Day was the participation of industry players committed to helping young adults take one step closer to employability. To accelerate employability, Microsoft has committed to funding 50 000 Microsoft certification vouchers for South Africans to gain a recognised industry certification. These certifications will ensure participants are job-ready for emerging technology roles in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and public services. Investment This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader R5.4 billion investment in South Africa, which includes expanding hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure to support the nation's ambition to become a globally competitive AI economy. Microsoft said that by combining digital infrastructure, workforce development, and AI skilling, it is fostering innovation, economic growth, and job creation. NOW READ: Interpol warns of Africa cybercrime surge, SA also affected
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
AI agents to enhance interaction with computers, Microsoft says
Microsoft is proposing a new vision for the internet that shifts from user-led interactions to an AI agent-based system. 'AI agents will become the primary way we interact with computers in the future,' says Microsoft chair Satya Nadella. 'They will be able to understand our needs and preferences and proactively help us with tasks and decision-making,' he said. Microsoft is proposing a new vision for the internet that shifts from user-led interactions to an AI agent-based system. Agentic AI Nadella added that its Agentic AI represents a fundamental shift for businesses and individuals alike. 'Understanding the impact of this is critical, as they are already in play.' This vision includes AI agents that navigate websites, collect data and interact with one another to complete tasks such as booking holidays or managing expense reports. While Agentic AI is still relatively new, many companies are already building it into their products to develop a digital workforce where humans and automated agents work together to increase productivity and achieve better customer outcomes. ALSO READ: Microsoft close to realising dream of computers understanding humans Next evolution Microsoft South Africa senior architect Michael Mullany, speaking during the Journalist Academy on Agentic AI on Wednesday, said Agentic AI is the next evolution of applied AI because it not only assists users but can act on their behalf. 'These tools use the same data that the employee has permission to access. These agents also inherit the employee's cybersecurity permissions and can seamlessly integrate into companies' digital environments.' 'New reality' The role of Agentic AI has grown rapidly over the past several months as organisational leaders seek ways to accelerate AI transformation. Mullany said Microsoft believes that Agents + Copilot + Human Ambition can deliver real AI differentiation for its customers. 'By putting the autonomous capabilities of an agent to work for their businesses, our customers are unlocking AI opportunity to realise greater value.' 'The world is entering a new reality, one in which AI can reason and solve problems in remarkable ways. This intelligence on tap will rewrite the rules of business and transform knowledge work as we know it,' Mullany said. AI-enhanced future Microsoft said organisations today must navigate the challenge of preparing for an AI-enhanced future where AI agents will gain increasing levels of capability over time that humans will need to harness as they redesign their businesses. 'Human ambition, creativity and ingenuity will continue to create new economic value and opportunity as we redefine work and workflows,' the company said Microsoft said that with groundbreaking advancements in reasoning and memory, AI models are now more capable and efficient and can help people solve problems in new ways. ALSO READ: Google Open Buildings helping strengthen community resilience
