AWS Skills Centre: Empowering South Africa’s Digital Future

When the AWS Skills Centre opened in Cape Town last year, its mission was bold yet simple: to make cloud computing accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or prior tech experience. One year later, the centre stands as a beacon of opportunity in South Africa, equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

In an exclusive interview, Maureen Lonergan, Vice President of AWS Training and Certification, highlighted the transformative impact of the centre. “Africa’s youth represent a vast well of untapped potential. By investing here, we’re not just building for today—we’re shaping the future,” she shared. The Cape Town centre, AWS’s first international skills hub, provides free, in-person training and networking opportunities, tailored to meet the unique challenges of South Africa’s workforce.

Building a Foundation for Inclusive Tech Education

At the heart of the AWS Skills Centre is inclusivity. Its programmes are designed for learners from diverse backgrounds, including those without prior technical knowledge. The centre features a Cloud Discovery Space, where interactive exhibits demystify cloud computing, and classrooms equipped for hands-on training in cloud fundamentals, machine learning, and data analytics.

Mpumelelo “Pinky” M., a graduate of the centre, is one of many whose lives have been transformed by its programmes. Transitioning from a career in cosmetics, Pinky achieved her AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification in just two months. Today, she runs CloudBoost, her own company offering cloud-powered solutions such as QR code-driven restaurant menus. Her journey underscores the centre’s ability to empower individuals to innovate and create tangible change.

A Decade of Building Global Cloud Talent

The Cape Town Skills Centre is part of AWS’s larger mission to democratise cloud education. For over a decade, AWS Training and Certification has developed innovative solutions for individuals and organisations in more than 200 countries. Its offerings include AWS Skill Builder, with 600+ free courses in 14 languages, and a range of live classroom sessions covering over 30 AWS services. Additionally, AWS Certifications validate cloud expertise with globally recognised credentials; as of October 2022, there are over one million active certifications worldwide, a number that grew by 29% in just one year.

Organisations also benefit from AWS’s tailored programmes. The AWS Skills Guild helps companies embed cloud fluency across entire workforces, driving digital transformation. Local partnerships in South Africa, such as those with Absa Bank and Woolworths, have seen thousands of employees reskilled to meet the demands of cloud-powered industries.

A Commitment to Long-Term Impact

The Cape Town Skills Centre builds on AWS’s 20-year history in South Africa, which began with the establishment of a Development Centre in 2004. Over the years, AWS has expanded its footprint through initiatives like its solar project in the Northern Cape and its investment in local data centres. A recently released economic impact study estimates AWS will contribute R80 billion to South Africa’s GDP by 2029, supporting thousands of jobs annually.

AWS’s education initiatives also reflect this long-term commitment. Since 2017, the company has trained over 100,000 people in South Africa through programmes like AWS Educate and AWS re/Start, which focus on providing accessible training to underserved communities. Globally, AWS has pledged to train 29 million people by 2025, and more than 13 million have already benefited from its free cloud skills programmes since 2020.

Looking Ahead

The AWS Skills Centre in Cape Town is not just a facility — it is a reflection of what’s possible when education, innovation, and ambition converge. For Maureen Lonergan, the centre represents a broader vision. “We’ve exceeded our initial goals, but what excites me most is seeing how the programmes evolve based on local needs,” she says. “This is a market ripe for disruption, and the skills we’re building here will ripple across industries.”

Lonergan acknowledges that challenges remain, particularly in addressing barriers like connectivity and affordability. “We’ve learned that it’s not enough to offer digital training. We have to meet people where they are — whether that means building in-person programmes or forging the right partnerships,” she explains.

As AWS looks to expand its curriculum and deepen its collaborations, the Cape Town centre is positioned to play a critical role in shaping how South Africa adapts to the demands of a digital economy. “This isn’t just about creating cloud practitioners — it’s about creating opportunities,” Lonergan says.

The centre’s next chapter will hinge on its ability to sustain this momentum while adapting to the rapidly evolving needs of the region. For now, it remains a compelling example of how investing in people can redefine what’s possible.

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