By Palesa Matlala
- Telkom has invested R100 million to launch an Artificial Intelligence Institute that will train young people, small businesses and underserved communities.
- The company says South Africa risks falling behind if people have internet access but lack the skills to use artificial intelligence to find work and grow businesses.
Telkom has announced a R100 million investment to help South Africans prepare for the fast growing world of artificial intelligence.
The company will use the money to establish the Telkom Artificial Intelligence Institute, which aims to equip people with practical digital and artificial intelligence skills that can improve their chances of finding work or starting businesses.
The announcement was made in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of the International Telecommunication Union’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
The global initiative encourages governments and businesses to invest in digital technology and internet access.
The coalition has already attracted more than US$82 billion in funding commitments from around the world, with Telkom among the few African companies recognised in the latest round of pledges.
Telkom said South Africa’s biggest challenge is no longer only getting people connected to the internet.
The company warned that a new digital divide is emerging, where millions of people may have internet access but still lack the skills needed to benefit from rapidly changing technology.
Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries such as banking, healthcare, education, retail, agriculture and customer service.
Experts believe people with digital and artificial intelligence skills will be in greater demand as businesses increasingly use technology to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Telkom Group chief executive Serame Taukobong said internet access alone is no longer enough.
“Connectivity without capability only gets South Africa halfway there,” he said.
“We have spent years building the networks that connect this country. The Telkom Artificial Intelligence Institute is our commitment to ensuring that connectivity translates into skills, jobs and opportunity.”
The institute will focus on practical training rather than theory.
Its programmes will target young people, entrepreneurs, small businesses and communities that have had limited access to digital opportunities.
The company hopes the training will help more South Africans compete in an economy that is becoming increasingly dependent on technology.
The investment also forms part of Telkom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to expand the company’s role beyond providing telecommunications services.
Instead, Telkom says it wants to become a key player in developing South Africa’s digital workforce and preparing the country for the future of work.
With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, the company believes investing in digital and artificial intelligence skills could help create new opportunities for thousands of people in the years ahead.
Pictured above:Telkom has committed R100 million to help South Africans gain artificial intelligence and digital skills for the future.
Image source: Telkom
