Microsoft to spend US$1.3 billion in Mexico on cloud, AI tech

TECH giant Microsoft will invest US$1.3 billion over the next three years to build up its infrastructure in Mexico for cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI), the company announced on Tuesday (Sep 24).

“We are doubling down on bringing more capacity to Mexico,” chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said.

The investment will go towards improving connectivity and boosting the adoption of AI technology by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the company said.

The initiative aims to reach five million Mexicans and 30,000 SMBs in three years, according to the company.

Already, Mexican firms such as breadmaker Bimbo and cement producer Cemex use Microsoft’s AI tools.

Microsoft and communications company Viasat are also working to bring the Internet to more than 150,000 Mexicans previously without cellular connectivity by the end of 2025, Microsoft said.

“This is great news for our country,” incoming Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said, adding that the planned investment will help Mexico quickly boost its AI capabilities. REUTERS