Microsoft boosts AI, cloud investments in Italy with $4.8 billion plan
Microsoft has announced plans to invest €4.3 billion over the next two years to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure in northern Italy. The tech giant’s investment will establish the ItalyNorth cloud region as one of Microsoft’s largest data hubs in Europe, serving both the Mediterranean and North Africa. The move marks Microsoft’s largest-ever investment in Italy and is expected to significantly strengthen the country’s digital presence in the region.
Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith, discussed the investment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who welcomed the project, seeing it as a key development for Italy’s role in the Mediterranean’s digital landscape. This initiative follows broader discussions between the Italian government and global investors, including BlackRock, which is also looking at potential investments in data and energy infrastructure.
The surge in demand for AI and cloud services across industries, from gaming to e-commerce, is driving Microsoft’s global expansion efforts. In partnership with BlackRock, Microsoft had already launched a $30 billion fund aimed at AI-focused data centers and related infrastructure, initially targeting the U.S. and its partner countries.
Digital Skills Forum in Bahrain highlights global need for digital education, unveils new toolkit
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recently hosted the Digital Skills Forum in Manama, Bahrain, addressing the pressing need for digital skills in today’s technology-driven society. With nearly 700 participants from 44 countries, the forum emphasised urgent calls to action aimed at bridging the digital skills gap that affects billions around the globe.
‘Digital skills have the power to change lives,’ asserted Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, highlighting the union’s dedication to fostering an inclusive digital society. In response to this challenge, ITU introduced the ‘Digital Skills Toolkit 2024,’ a comprehensive resource to support policymakers and stakeholders in crafting effective national strategies to close digital skills gaps.
That toolkit seeks to empower diverse sectors, including private enterprises and academic institutions, by providing essential insights and resources within an ever-evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, the forum underscored the importance of lifelong learning and continuous upskilling, particularly in advanced fields such as AI and cybersecurity. ‘Addressing the digital skills gap requires strong partnerships and a commitment to investing in digital education,’ emphasised Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.
Bahrain’s leadership in promoting digital skills was prominently featured, reflecting its dedication to international cooperation and innovation. Young entrepreneurs showcased their innovative approaches to digital education, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future.
Brazil boosts digital inclusion and tech standards at G20
Brazil enhanced its commitment to digital inclusion and connectivity at the G20 meeting on the Digital Economy in Maceió. The Brazilian government is driving significant projects such as the National Strategy for Connected Schools, which aims to connect 138,000 public schools by 2026.
The following initiative demonstrates Brazil’s dedication to integrating educational institutions into the digital landscape and providing students access to essential digital resources. Additionally, Brazil is developing new metrics to evaluate the economic accessibility of digital services, ensuring that connectivity is widespread and affordable for all socioeconomic groups.
Brazil also enhances its focus on emerging technologies like AI and blockchain as part of its broader digital strategy. At the meeting, discussions are centred on effectively leveraging these technologies while addressing cybersecurity and data protection challenges. Brazil is advocating for the establishment of international standards to guide the responsible use of these technologies, aiming to build global trust and confidence.
Why does this matter?
The dual approach, improving digital infrastructure and regulating emerging technologies, reflects Brazil’s commitment to advancing global digital equity and fostering sustainable growth.
Huawei to boost Malawi’s digital transformation
Huawei is significantly contributing to Malawi’s digital transformation through its comprehensive Smart Village Program, which aims to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. This program integrates smart agriculture technologies, expands access to financial services, and enhances education and healthcare through digital solutions.
As part of this initiative, Huawei will establish technical training centres in rural regions to equip young people with crucial digital skills in AI, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture. That effort is a key component of Huawei’s larger $430 million investment plan for Africa, which includes funding for cloud development, talent development, and long-term technological progress.
The initiative supports Malawi’s MW2063 agenda, which envisions transforming the country into an industrialised upper-middle-income nation by 2063. It also builds on previous collaborations, such as the launch of Malawi’s National Data Centre in 2022, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s digital infrastructure.
In addition to Malawi, Huawei’s regional impact extends to other African countries, including Zambia and Uganda, where it is involved in smart village projects, and Kenya, where it contributes to smart city initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance connectivity and drive technological innovation across the continent.