Cyril Belikoff

📢 Microsoft Invests an additional ZAR 5.4 Billion in South Africa! Microsoft is making a bold commitment to South Africa’s digital future, investing ZAR 5.4 billion to expand cloud and AI infrastructure, building on our existing investment of ZAR 20.4 billion over the past three years to establish hyperscale datacentre regions in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Additionally, we announced a new programme, through our partnership with Youth Employment Services, to extend our recently announced AI skilling initiative in South Africa by paying for 50,000 young people’s certification exams in high-demand digital skills over the next 12 months. This investment is a game-changer for businesses, developers, and the future workforce—creating new opportunities for growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. Read more: http://msft.it/6045qM865 #MicrosoftSA #FutureOfAI #DigitalTransformation #SkillsForTomorrow

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Microsoft's recent commitment to invest 5.4 billion ZAR—roughly $300 million—in South Africa enhances a transformative era for the region's AI and cloud technology landscape and realising South Africa's digital future. We are empowering organizations of all sizes with cutting-edge solutions and at the same time digitally skilling one million South Africans by 2026 to help lead innovation in the Cloud. By boosting economic growth and closing the skills gap, this collaboration will help position South Africa as a globally competitive AI economy. Read more about our work here: https://msft.it/6046qg9Hk #AI #DigitalFuture #Skilling

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Microsoft will invest R5.4bn over the next two years in South Africa on AI and cloud infrastructure. Vice chair and president Brad Smith tells me on the StuffSA podcast it will help the country’s “ambition to become a globally competitive AI economy”. https://lnkd.in/d8gvAhG6

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This Forbes article is a great summary of Microsoft’s continued investment in South Africa. By progressing the country’s cloud and AI infrastructure, we can, as Brad Smith stated, help its “ambition to become a globally competitive AI economy.” Read on to find out more about our investment and continued effort to progress digital skills for Africa’s youth.

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🚀 Starlink Shakes Up Kenya’s Internet Market! 🌍  Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially become Kenya’s 7th largest ISP, surpassing established players like Dimension Data and Liquid Intelligent Technologies in just six months! 📈 With 19,146 subscribers and a growing 1.1% market share, Starlink is proving that satellite internet is a game-changer for areas where traditional networks struggle. 🌐  Key highlights:   📡 Rapid Growth: Starlink added 2,360 users in three months, signaling rising demand for satellite broadband.   ⚡ Local Infrastructure: A Nairobi ground station launched in December 2024 slashed latency from 120ms to just 26ms!   💰 Affordable Plans: Promotions like $10 for 50GB data and hardware rentals are making connectivity more accessible.   📱 Future Plans: By 2025, Starlink aims to deploy satellites connecting directly to mobile devices—no hardware kits needed!  However, competition remains fierce. Safaricom PLC (36.1%) and Jamii Telecommunications Ltd (23.6%) dominate the market, while regulatory changes may challenge Starlink’s momentum. 🏛️  As the satellite internet revolution unfolds, will Starlink continue to disrupt Kenya’s broadband landscape? Let us know your thoughts! 💬  #TechInnovation #Kenya #InternetServiceProviders #Starlink #SatelliteInternet

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https://lnkd.in/d6ezxXtr Africa’s potential on AI is huge . The Global AI market will represent about $15.7 trillion by 2030 according to a recent study . Africas’ portion of this is estimated to still be low . I see that as an opportunity to leapfrog and lead the pack by uniquely coming up with AI solutions that align to Africa’s culture and set us apart as an exporter of unique AI solutions rather than just consumers . Despite the challenges including lagging digital infrastructure and basic access to connectivity , our inclusive and collaborative approach will set us apart from others . I am inspired by Africans making a move in AI such as Vambo AI | Multilingual Intelligence and Cassava Technologies who announced an intent to build Africa Native LLM’s , Zipline with the Rwanda government who are transforming healthcare in rural areas And InstaDeep , a Tunisian based AI start-up . Take a listen to my conversation with Thembekile Mrototo on AI-Impact Podcast. #hpe #AI#hpegreenlake

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