Microsoft Surpasses AI Connectivity Goal: 117M New Internet Users Across Africa

Microsoft announced today that its connectivity initiatives across Africa have now reached over 117 million people, beating its 2025 target of 100 million, and it did so a year ahead of schedule. The milestone was revealed at the B20 South Africa Summit, where the company also unveiled new partnerships aimed at expanding digital access and enabling AI‑ready infrastructure across underserved communities.

The success comes through collaborations with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), hardware manufacturers, and multilateral institutions, including African Development Bank (AfDB). One of the driving partners is Mawingu, a Kenyan ISP that has extended broadband and WiFi services to rural and peri‑urban communities, helping bring connectivity to clinics, schools, and homes.

This kind of connectivity isn’t just about browsing social media. Microsoft says it’s a stepping stone for deeper digital inclusion. With reliable internet, communities across the continent stand to benefit from remote education, digital healthcare, access to global markets, and eventually AI‑powered tools for productivity. It’s a foundation for bridging long-standing infrastructure gaps and giving more people a chance to participate in the digital economy.

On top of the connectivity milestone, Microsoft and AfDB announced a new pan‑African blended finance facility aimed at supporting agricultural small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The idea: combine financial investment with improved internet and digital tools to help modernize farming, boost productivity, and build climate‑resilient agribusiness, showing that connectivity could lead to real economic and social impact.

Why It Matters

Reaching 117 million people means millions more Africans now have better shot at online education, digital entrepreneurship, remote work, and AI‑powered tools. These are things often taken for granted in more connected places. It’s a powerful reminder that bridging the digital divide isn’t just about gadgets or apps: it’s about opening the door to opportunity. If this connectivity turns into real access and skills, it could reshape economies and social mobility across the continent.