In March 2025, YES and Microsoft entered into a partnership to unlock South Africa’s AI potential. This partnership, which aims to provide 50, 000 young South Africans with free Microsoft certification exam vouchers, came into action on 24 June at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, when Microsoft South Africa and YES hosted the National AI Skilling Day. The event forms part of the National AI Skills Initiative, aimed at preparing youth for the future of work through globally recognised digital certifications.

Hundreds of attendees, including YES staff, Microsoft ecosystem partners, and AI professionals, came together for a day of interactive learning, career growth, and digital exploration. Whether participants had already registered for their certification exams or were still exploring their options, the event offered valuable insight into the impact of these certifications and the opportunities they unlock. 

A day of learning, discovery, and inspiration

Participants engaged in:

• AI Fundamentals training sessions
• Career orientation panels with industry experts
• Live Q&A sessions with Microsoft trainers
• Hands-on exposure to real-world AI applications

The event also featured the YES Expo Zone, a vibrant space showcasing:

• Emerging careers in tech
• Immersive tech experiences including VR goggles, a 360° rotating camera, and the YES AI Booth, where participants could visualise themselves in future AI-driven roles.

As AI continues to reshape industries and economies, it is critical that South African youth are not left behind. This initiative supports YES’s broader mission to unlock work and learning pathways for youth, especially in emerging tech sectors and roles including AI engineering, data science, cybersecurity and cloud computing. The Skilling Day reinforced Microsoft and YES’s commitment to digital inclusion, career readiness, and economic empowerment.