Telkom has committed R100 million (approximately US$6.1 million) to establish the Telkom AI Institute, a new initiative aimed at equipping South Africans with practical artificial intelligence and digital skills.

The investment was announced during the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Partner2Connect Digital Coalition at the WSIS Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, where global digital connectivity commitments surpassed US$82 billion.

Expanding Access to AI Skills

The Telkom AI Institute will focus on delivering job-ready AI and digital skills training, targeting young people, small businesses and communities that remain underserved by South Africa's digital economy.

According to Telkom, the initiative is designed to help bridge the country's growing digital skills gap as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and labour markets.

Supporting South Africa's Digital Economy

The institute forms part of Telkom's Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to position the company not only as a telecommunications provider but also as a driver of digital innovation and workforce development.

Group Chief Executive Officer Serame Taukobong said the initiative aims to ensure that internet connectivity translates into meaningful economic opportunities by giving more South Africans the skills needed to participate in the AI economy.

Part of a Global Digital Development Initiative

Telkom's investment will be tracked under the ITU's Partner2Connect platform, a global initiative launched in 2021 to accelerate digital development and universal connectivity.

The programme has attracted more than 1,000 commitments from 149 countries, with Africa and Asia-Pacific leading implementation efforts. According to the ITU, achieving universal and meaningful digital connectivity by 2030 will require between US$2.6 trillion and US$2.8 trillion in global investment.

Telkom said the AI Institute reflects its commitment to building a more inclusive digital future by combining connectivity with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.