Microsoft and Vodafone have embarked on a decade-long partnership aimed at delivering digital services and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to over 300 million consumers and various businesses across Europe and Africa.

According to a press release by Microsoft, Vodafone is set to invest $1.5 billion over the next ten years into AI services on their cloud, while Microsoft will leverage Vodafone's mobile connectivity services. The collaboration has identified five key areas for development: Generative AI, scaling Internet of Things (IoT), Africa digital acceleration, enterprise growth, and Cloud transformation. The goal of accelerating Africa's digital opportunities through a purpose-led program is to expand the digital infrastructure across 100 million consumers on the continent. In addition, the companies plan to offer digital services and youth outreach programs to cultivate a community of certified developers.

Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft, said: "This new generation of AI will unlock massive new opportunities for every organization and every industry around the world." He added that he was delighted that "together with Vodafone we will apply the latest cloud and AI technology to enhance the customer experience of hundreds of millions of people and businesses across Africa and Europe, build new products and services, and accelerate the company’s transition to the cloud."

In another press release by Microsoft, it was revealed that Microsoft has initiated multiple partnerships focused on AI development. One such partnership is with the American Federation of Labor aimed at educating workers about AI implementation. This particular collaboration seeks to facilitate dialogue about how AI can meet workers' needs as technology continues to evolve in society. Microsoft plans to provide formal learning opportunities for both students and workers regarding future developments in AI. These learning opportunities are scheduled to commence in winter 2024 under the guidance of AI experts from Microsoft. Both companies are supporting the expansion of registered apprenticeships in nontraditional tech opportunities.