Microsoft announced on Wednesday that it is on track to invest a total of US$50 billion (approximately RM195 billion) by the end of the decade to support the development and expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in countries across the Global South.
The announcement was made during the AI Summit in New Delhi, an event that brings together top executives from leading AI companies alongside world leaders to discuss the future of AI and its global impact.
The term “Global South” generally refers to developing, emerging, or lower-income nations, mostly located in the southern hemisphere. Microsoft’s planned investment is aimed at accelerating AI adoption and infrastructure in these regions, providing access to advanced technologies and supporting local digital ecosystems.
Last year, the tech giant unveiled US$17.5 billion in AI investments specifically for India, underscoring its commitment to one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. With this broader US$50 billion plan, Microsoft seeks to extend similar initiatives to other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, strengthening AI capabilities and fostering innovation in markets that have historically been underrepresented in the tech space.
