<div id="readability-page-1"><p>The global AI race is spreading beyond the U.S. and Europe. Microsoft (MSFT) is now turning to Africa, aiming to expand the use of its AI tools while competing with China's fast-growing platform, DeepSeek.</p><h3>Claim 70% Off TipRanks Premium</h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge fund-level data  and  powerful investing tools  for smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Stay ahead of the market with  the latest news and analysis  and maximize your portfolio's potential</li></ul> <p>The company said it plans to train three million people across Africa in AI skills this year. The effort will focus on key markets including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco, working with schools, universities, and other institutions.</p> <h2><strong>Microsoft Expands Its AI Push in Africa</strong></h2> <p>The training program is meant to boost the use of Microsoft's AI services, including Copilot and Azure, while helping developers, students, and businesses learn how to use the technology.</p> <p>Microsoft is also partnering with MTN Group (MTN), Africa's largest telecommunications provider, to offer Microsoft 365 and its Copilot AI assistant to roughly 300 million subscribers.</p> <p>The company sees strong potential in the region as internet use and digital services continue to grow across many African economies.</p> <h2><strong>DeepSeek Is Gaining Ground</strong></h2> <p>Microsoft's move comes as DeepSeek, a Chinese open-source AI platform, gains traction in several African markets. According to Microsoft data, the platform accounts for about 11% to 14% of chatbot use across the region, with its share reaching around 20% in countries such as Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.</p> <p>To strengthen its presence, Microsoft is also investing in infrastructure. The company plans to spend 5.4 billion rand (about $330 million) to expand its cloud and AI capacity in South Africa by next year. It is also exploring plans for a geothermal-powered data center in Kenya.</p> <h2><strong>Is Microsoft a Buy, Hold or Sell?</strong></h2> <p>Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating on MSFT stock based on 33 Buys and three Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 5.6% rally in its share price over the past year, the average MSFT price target of $594.02 per share implies 46.72% upside potential.</p></div>

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<p>Microsoft (MSFT) is expanding its AI initiatives in Africa, aiming to train three million people in AI skills this year, focusing on South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Morocco. The company is partnering with MTN Group to provide Microsoft 365 and Copilot AI to 300 million subscribers. This move comes as China's DeepSeek platform gains traction in Africa, accounting for 11% to 14% of chatbot use. Microsoft plans to invest $330 million to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa and is exploring a geothermal-powered data center in Kenya. Analysts have a Strong Buy consensus on MSFT stock, with a target price of $594.02, indicating significant upside potential.</p>

- Microsoft is expanding its AI initiatives in Africa, focusing on training three million individuals in AI skills across key markets like South Africa and Kenya.  
- The company's partnership with MTN Group will provide Microsoft 365 and its AI assistant to approximately 300 million subscribers, aiming to enhance AI service adoption.  
- Amidst competition from China's DeepSeek platform, Microsoft plans significant investments, including $330 million to enhance its cloud infrastructure in South Africa.

Microsoft (MSFT) Has a New Plan to Counter DeepSeek