Microsoft has announced an expansion of its investment in South Africa, committing an additional R5.4 billion ($298.7 million) by 2027 to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure.

This follows a previous investment of R20.4 billion over three years, bringing the total to approximately $1.427 billion over five years. The initiative aims to boost South Africa’s AI and cloud capabilities, support digital skills training, and establish the country as a significant tech hub in Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised this investment as a strong endorsement of South Africa’s economic potential. Microsoft’s plans include training one million South Africans in digital skills by 2026, offering 50,000 certifications in AI, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, and donating over $100 million in software.

This move is part of a broader strategy to foster AI development in Africa, not just consumption, aligning with Microsoft’s AI Access Principles.

Microsoft has confirmed that Skype, the pioneering internet calling and messaging service, will be shut down on May 5, 2025, marking the end of its 22-year run. Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized online communication by offering free voice and video calls at a time when international calls were costly. After Microsoft acquired it for $8.5 billion in 2011—its largest acquisition at the time—Skype peaked with over 300 million monthly users.

However, its relevance has waned in recent years, with its user base shrinking to around 36 million daily active users by 2023, overshadowed by competitors like Zoom, WhatsApp, and Microsoft’s own Teams, which now boasts 320 million monthly users.

The decision to retire Skype comes as Microsoft shifts its focus to Microsoft Teams, designating the free consumer version as Skype’s successor. Starting immediately, Skype users can log into Teams with their existing credentials, with chats, contacts, and message history migrating automatically.

For those opting out, an export tool is available to download their data, though options for using it elsewhere are limited. Microsoft will retain user data until the end of 2025, after which it will be deleted if no action is taken. The transition period runs until May 5, giving users roughly two months from now to adapt.

A key change is the discontinuation of Skype’s telephony features, such as calling landlines or mobile numbers, which Microsoft deems less relevant in today’s mobile-centric, data-rich environment. Existing Skype credits and subscriptions remain usable until the shutdown, with a web-based dial pad and Teams integration available post-May for lingering credits.

The move reflects Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its communication platforms, building on Teams’ growth since its 2016 debut and the earlier retirement of Skype for Business in 2021. While Skype’s shutdown ends an era, it underscores a shift toward integrated, modern tools better suited to current user needs.

iPhone 16e pre-orders are indeed open! Apple announced the iPhone 16e earlier this week, and pre-orders began today.

You can place your pre-order directly through Apple’s website (apple.com) or the Apple Store app, as well as through various authorized retailers and carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and others, depending on your region.

The iPhone 16e, positioned as an affordable yet powerful option succeeding the iPhone SE line, starts at $599 for the 128GB model, with options for 256GB and 512GB at higher price points.

It’s available in two finishes: matte black and matte white. Key features include a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch, the A18 chip (supporting Apple Intelligence), a single 48MP rear camera, an Action button, and iOS 18. The official release date is set for February 28, 2025, when shipping and in-store availability will begin.

To pre-order, ensure your Apple ID is ready with updated payment and shipping details for a smooth checkout. Demand is expected to be high, so acting quickly is recommended if you want delivery on launch day.