South Africa's higher education department signs two-year agreement with Google to deliver AI and digital skills training

The agreement covers 10,000 career certificate scholarships, AI training for educators, curriculum development and device support across public universities and vocational colleges, with a focus on rural and township institutions

Google SA country director Kabelo Makwane and DHET deputy minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe. (Image: Supplied)

South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training has signed a memorandum of understanding with Google South Africa covering digital skills development and the integration of artificial intelligence across the country's post-school education system. The agreement runs for two years and is the fourth public-private partnership concluded under Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe.

The MoU covers five areas. On skills training, Google will provide 10,000 career certificate scholarships in fields including AI fundamentals, cybersecurity and data analytics, targeting students, educators and IT staff at selected public universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges, and community education and training colleges. The programme gives priority to institutions in rural and township areas.

For educators, Google will deliver training through its Generative AI for Educators programme and work with institutions on a train-the-trainer model to extend skills development beyond the initial cohort. The agreement also includes curriculum support, with Google facilitating access to AI and technology course content, co-developing localised material and assisting institutions with integrating it into their programmes.

On the infrastructure side, Google will deploy ChromeOS Flex to extend the operational life of existing hardware at public institutions, provide strategic advice on device procurement and train IT teams on advanced system management. The fifth area covers policy and governance, where Google will share expertise on AI policy development and the use of AI tools within public institutions.

Kabelo Makwane, Google South Africa country director, said the agreement was intended to close the gap between public policy, academic institutions and industry. He cited Google's estimate that its tools contributed approximately R118 billion to the South African economy in 2023, and projected that AI could add a further R172 billion while creating new skills and economic opportunities. Makwane also referenced a global AI market estimate of $15.7 trillion, with South Africa projected to see an economic impact of close to $9 billion over the next three years.

Deputy Minister Gondwe said the partnership aligned with the National Development Plan 2030 and addressed priorities identified by the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including building national capabilities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital innovation. "What distinguishes this partnership is not only its ambition, but its clear focus on implementation, scale and measurable impact," she said.