Telkom has announced a US$6.1 million commitment to launch the Telkom AI Institute, a new initiative aimed at equipping South Africans with crucial skills in artificial intelligence and digital technology while encouraging local innovation.
This announcement was made in Geneva, Switzerland, during the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition’s activities.
At the WSIS Forum 2026 High-Level Week, the coalition revealed that it has reached over US$82 billion in global commitments toward enhancing connectivity worldwide.
Telkom is among a select group of South African and African corporations recognised in this recent round of pledges.
According to Telkom, the objective of this announcement extends beyond simply joining an international initiative, emphasising that South Africa’s digital divide now encompasses more than just network accessibility.
As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms economies, there is a looming risk of a new, more challenging gap emerging—not between the connected and unconnected, but between those who can effectively utilise their connections to create livelihoods.
“Connectivity without capability will only take South Africa partway,” stated Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong.
“We have dedicated years to developing networks that connect this nation. The establishment of the Telkom AI Institute represents our commitment to ensuring that this connectivity evolves into skills, employment opportunities, and economic potential.”
Taukobong highlighted that the initiative aims to benefit South Africans who have historically had the least access to such resources.
The Telkom AI Institute will prioritise hands-on, job-ready training in AI and digital skills, particularly targeting youth, small businesses, and communities that are underserved in South Africa’s digital landscape.
Telkom’s pledge aligns with its broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to evolve the company’s role from merely being an infrastructure provider to actively cultivating the skill set required for South Africa to thrive in the global economy.
“Reaching $82 billion in the Partner2Connect pledges marks a significant milestone in our quest for universal digital advancement,” remarked ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau director Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava.
“Now is the moment to transform these commitments into impactful projects, aligning national and regional priorities with partner obligations, and delivering tangible results across all regions.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Partner2Connect initiative has garnered over 1,000 pledges from 149 countries, with projects being actively implemented in more than 190 countries.
Africa, Asia, and the Pacific lead in project implementation, with digital infrastructure receiving the largest share of global commitments.
The ITU estimates that achieving universal, meaningful connectivity by 2030 could require investments of between US$2.6 trillion and US$2.8 trillion globally.
Telkom’s contribution will be monitored through the ITU’s Partner2Connect platform, alongside the commitments of other Partner2Connect Champions.
