Microsoft has surpassed its 2022 goal of expanding internet access to 250 million people by the end of 2025, reaching over 299 million globally, with a significant impact in Africa. Building on this achievement, Microsoft is now evolving its digital access strategy to focus on not just coverage, but also adoption, enablement, and long-term participation in the AI economy, including a new collaboration with Starlink. This holistic approach addresses infrastructure, energy, digital skills, and AI tools to bridge the growing digital divide, particularly between the Global North and South, and ensure communities can fully leverage AI for economic and social growth.
Celebrating 250 million: Empowering communities to enable the global AI economy
Microsoft has surpassed its 2022 goal of expanding internet access to 250 million people by the end of 2025, reaching over 299 million globally, with a significant impact in Africa. Building on this achievement, Microsoft is now evolving its digital access strategy to focus on not just coverage, but also adoption, enablement, and long-term participation in the AI economy, including a new collaboration with Starlink. This holistic approach addresses infrastructure, energy, digital skills, and AI tools to bridge the growing digital divide, particularly between the Global North and South, and ensure communities can fully leverage AI for economic and social growth.