Microsoft South Africa and Youth Employment Service (YES) are strengthening efforts to equip young people in South Africa with digital and artificial intelligence skills needed for the modern economy.
The organisations are advancing the YES × Microsoft AI Skills Initiative, a programme designed to help young South Africans build practical digital knowledge and improve their chances of finding employment in a technology-driven job market.
The initiative offers tailored learning materials developed by Microsoft and YES, with courses designed for different levels of experience in artificial intelligence and computer science. The programme guides participants from beginner level to more advanced training, helping them gain skills that can support further education, career growth, and long-term employment opportunities.
One year after the programme launched, more than 70,000 young people have already participated in digital learning pathways, while over 140,000 certification opportunities have been made available through the initiative.
The partnership aims to address a growing challenge facing many African economies. While businesses increasingly require workers with digital and technical skills, many young people still struggle to access relevant training or employment opportunities. Microsoft and YES say the programme is focused on narrowing that gap by providing practical and industry-relevant skills.
The training programme also focuses on employability by helping participants understand how AI and digital tools can improve workplace productivity and create new career opportunities across industries.
According to Tiara Pathon, AI Skills Director for Microsoft Elevate South Africa, the initiative is intended to improve access to opportunities in the digital economy.
She said the programme is not only equipping 50,000 young South Africans with globally recognised digital skills and international certifications, but is also helping reshape access to employment opportunities in the technology sector.
The collaboration forms part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to support digital transformation and workforce development in South Africa. Both organisations say partnerships between the private sector and youth employment initiatives can play an important role in improving economic inclusion and preparing young people for future jobs.
They added that the programme could also serve as a model for future public-private partnerships focused on digital education, employability, and economic growth across Africa.
