Microsoft Elevate, GirlCode and YES to Equip 468 South African Women with AI and Digital Skills
Cape Town, South Africa | September 2026 – Microsoft Elevate, GirlCode and Youth Employment Service (YES) have announced a new collaboration to empower 468 young South African women with critical Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital, and workplace readiness skills, helping them thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
The initiative is designed to expand access to AI learning and create more inclusive pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and economic participation. Participants will complete online learning pathways covering AI fundamentals, responsible AI, Microsoft Copilot, productivity tools, digital literacy, workplace readiness and career development. They will also gain access to mentorship, community support and opportunities through the broader GirlCode and YES ecosystems.
The partnership comes shortly after Women’s Month and reinforces the need to accelerate women’s participation in technology, AI and STEM-related fields. Despite progress, women still remain underrepresented in many technology and innovation sectors, limiting access to some of the fastest-growing opportunities in the digital economy.
By combining Microsoft Elevate’s AI skilling resources, GirlCode’s experience in supporting women in technology, and YES’s expertise in youth employability, the programme aims to help more women build future-ready skills, earn industry-recognised credentials and access meaningful economic opportunities.
Tiara Pathon, AI Skills Director at Microsoft South Africa, said:
"As we reflect on Women's Month, we are reminded that true inclusion requires action. The future of work is increasingly being shaped by AI, and it is essential that women are not only included in this transformation but empowered to lead it. Through this partnership, we are helping create pathways for 468 women to gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and pursue careers in STEM and technology."
Zandile Mkwanazi, Founder and CEO of GirlCode, said:
"For more than a decade, GirlCode has worked to create opportunities for women and girls to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. Through Tthis partnership with Microsoft Elevate and YES, allows us to we are expanding access to AI and digital skills that are increasingly critical in today's workplace. This programme is about more than technology training. It is about confidence, economic empowerment, and ensuring that more young women can access careers and opportunities that were previously out of reach."
Ravi Naidoo, CEO of Youth Employment Service said:
"South Africa's future growth depends on our ability to prepare young people for a rapidly evolving world of work. AI is reshaping industries and creating new skills requirements across every sector. By partnering with Microsoft Elevate and GirlCode, we are helping 468 young women develop the capabilities needed to participate in the digital economy, improve their employability, and unlock new pathways to sustainable livelihoods."
The programme brings together the strengths of all three organisations. Microsoft Elevate will provide access to AI learning pathways, digital skills training, and Microsoft credentials. GirlCode will provide a supportive learning community, mentorship, and career development opportunities. YES will contribute its expertise in youth employability, workplace readiness, and pathways to economic opportunity.
The collaboration aligns with Microsoft's broader AI skilling strategy focused on preparing individuals for the opportunities created by AI while supporting inclusive economic growth. It also contributes to national priorities around youth employment, digital transformation, women's economic empowerment, and increasing participation in STEM-related careers.
Joint Partnership Statement
"Together, Microsoft Elevate, GirlCode and YES are committed to building a more inclusive digital future. By combining technology skilling, career readiness, mentorship, and employment pathways, this initiative will help ensure that young South African women are equipped not only to adapt to the future of work, but to lead it."
to the partnership demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can create meaningful pathways from learning to earning. By expanding access to AI and STEM education, mentorship and employment opportunities, Microsoft Elevate, GirlCode and YES are helping build a more inclusive technology ecosystem where women can thrive, contribute and lead.
About Microsoft Elevate
Microsoft Elevate is Microsoft's social impact and skilling initiative focused on empowering individuals, educators, nonprofits, and communities with the digital and AI skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
About GirlCode
GirlCode is a South African women-in-technology movement committed to closing the gender gap in technology through coding education, digital skills development, mentorship, and career opportunities for women and girls.
About Youth Employment Service
Youth Employment Service (YES) is the highest impact private sector led youth employment programme in South Africa. YES works with leading businesses in various sectors to provide 12-month quality work experiences for unemployed young people to become the future managers, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs who will drive the economy forward.
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