Microsoft, GIZ, and DCDT Partner to Equip South African Youth with Future-Ready Digital Skills

South Africa has taken another bold step toward empowering its youth and accelerating digital inclusion with the launch of the Digital Skills for Jobs and Income initiative — a transformative program designed to prepare young people for success in the fast-changing digital economy. The program focuses on equipping learners with future-ready skills that align with the growing demand for digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven jobs, ensuring that more South Africans can participate meaningfully in the global technology landscape.

The initiative offers a range of structured learning pathways that cater to both beginners and more advanced learners. Participants can choose from a variety of disciplines, including AI Fluency, Digital Literacy, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Software Development, Cloud Computing, and Content Development and Multimedia Design. Each pathway provides a clear roadmap for developing the essential competencies needed to navigate and excel in digital professions, while also helping bridge South Africa’s existing digital skills gap.

The Digital Skills for Jobs and Income II program represents a powerful collaboration between global and local partners who share a commitment to inclusive and sustainable digital transformation. It is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ, in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). Working closely with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across the country, the initiative focuses on reaching NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Through industry collaboration and ecosystem partnerships, the program ensures that the skills being taught directly match the evolving needs of the job market.

At the heart of this effort is Microsoft Elevate, which powers the initiative by investing in people, institutions, and ideas that help ensure AI innovation benefits everyone. Microsoft Elevate supports education systems, non-profits, and government organizations by providing access to AI tools, skills development resources, and research opportunities. As the world transitions to an AI-driven economy, the program seeks to close the digital divide by empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to adapt and thrive.

One of the key advantages of the initiative is the opportunity for participants to earn free Microsoft certifications, fully funded by Microsoft Elevate. These certifications — ranging from Azure and AI Fundamentals to advanced credentials for engineers and data scientists — offer learners globally recognized qualifications that strengthen their employability. To qualify, participants must complete the training pathway, pass a mock exam with at least 80%, and apply for the voucher, paving the way for career growth in the digital and technology sectors.

Ultimately, the Digital Skills for Jobs and Income initiative is about creating an inclusive and future-ready society. By combining skills development, international collaboration, and technology-driven learning, the program empowers young South Africans to become active participants in the digital economy. It reflects a shared national and global commitment to bridging the skills gap, promoting innovation, and ensuring that the country’s digital transformation leaves no one behind.