From left: DTIC acting DG Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, DTIC minister Ebrahim Patel, Microsoft SA MD Kalane Rampai, and Microsoft Africa president Lillian Barnard.

Microsoft SA and South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) have entered an agreement that would see the former inject over 1.3 billion rands ($70 million) into small and medium enterprises in the country to boost the tech and nontech sectors and also to prepare them for the advancement of Artificial intelligence.

Microsoft SA explained the motive behind their investment saying it aims to spur SMEs development, create local opportunities and ready the country for AI transformation.

Microsoft SA MD Kalane Rampai emphasised on the importance of getting south Africa ready for AI in order to make sure the country does not miss out on the Ai revolution. He said this ahead of the signing ceremony of the deal.