Telkom Pledges R100 Million to Establish AI Institute for Digital Skills Development
South African telecommunications company Telkom has announced a R100 million (approximately US$6.1 million) investment to establish the Telkom AI Institute, a new initiative designed to equip South Africans with artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills while supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and greater participation in the country’s digital economy.
The announcement was made in Geneva, Switzerland, during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, where the initiative was unveiled as part of the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition. The coalition recently surpassed US$82 billion in global digital connectivity commitments, with Telkom becoming one of the few African organisations contributing to the latest round of investments.
The Telkom AI Institute will focus on delivering practical, industry-relevant AI and digital skills training that prepares participants for employment and entrepreneurship. The programme will prioritise young people, small businesses, startups, and communities that have traditionally faced limited access to digital opportunities.
According to Telkom, the initiative reflects a broader vision that meaningful digital inclusion extends beyond internet connectivity. As artificial intelligence transforms industries and workplaces, the company believes that developing AI skills is essential to ensuring South Africans can fully benefit from emerging economic opportunities.
The institute will support learners with hands-on training, practical AI applications, and digital competencies that align with current and future workforce demands. By helping individuals develop in-demand skills, Telkom aims to strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem while contributing to long-term economic growth.
The investment also forms part of Telkom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to position the company as more than a telecommunications provider by actively supporting digital transformation, workforce development, and technology-driven economic inclusion.
Speaking on the initiative, Serame Taukobong, Group CEO of Telkom, said expanding internet access alone is no longer sufficient.
“Connectivity without capability only gets South Africa halfway there. We have invested in building networks that connect people, and the Telkom AI Institute represents our commitment to ensuring those connections translate into skills, employment, and opportunity—particularly for communities that have historically had limited access to digital resources.”
The Partner2Connect initiative, launched by the ITU in 2021, encourages governments, private sector organisations, and development partners to invest in digital infrastructure and digital inclusion projects worldwide. More than 1,000 commitments have now been registered from 149 countries, supporting projects in over 190 countries, with Africa remaining one of the leading regions for implementation.
The ITU estimates that achieving universal and meaningful digital connectivity by 2030 will require between US$2.6 trillion and US$2.8 trillion in global investment. Telkom’s AI Institute forms part of this wider international effort to expand digital access while ensuring people have the skills needed to participate in an AI-driven economy.
The company said the institute will help bridge South Africa’s digital skills gap by combining AI education, digital literacy, and innovation programmes that prepare individuals and businesses for the future of work.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Telkom AI Institute?
The Telkom AI Institute is a new initiative established by Telkom to provide artificial intelligence and digital skills training for South Africans.
2. How much is Telkom investing in the AI Institute?
Telkom has committed R100 million (approximately US$6.1 million) to establish and develop the institute.
3. Who will benefit from the programme?
The initiative is designed to support young people, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, and underserved communities seeking AI and digital skills.
4. What type of training will the AI Institute provide?
The institute will offer practical AI training, digital literacy programmes, innovation support, and job-ready technology skills aligned with industry needs.
5. Why is AI skills development important?
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into businesses and public services, AI skills are becoming essential for improving employability, innovation, and economic competitiveness.
6. What is the ITU Partner2Connect initiative?
Partner2Connect is a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that encourages investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and digital inclusion projects worldwide.
7. How does this initiative support South Africa’s digital economy?
By expanding AI education and digital skills, the programme aims to prepare more people for technology-driven jobs, encourage innovation, and strengthen South Africa’s long-term digital competitiveness.
8. How does the AI Institute fit into Telkom’s long-term strategy?
The project supports Telkom’s Vision 2030, which focuses on advancing digital transformation, developing future-ready skills, and creating greater economic opportunities through technology.
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