Microsoft to Invest $17.9 Billion in Australia for AI and Cloud Infrastructure by 2029

Gate News message, April 23 — Microsoft announced today that it will invest A$25 billion (US$17.9 billion) in Australia by the end of 2029 to expand its local AI and cloud infrastructure. The investment builds on the company's earlier A$5 billion (US$3.58 billion) commitment announced in 2023.

The company will deepen its cyber defense collaboration with Australian federal agencies, extending its Cyber Shield program with the Australian Signals Directorate to more agencies and continuing work with Home Affairs on resilience for connectivity, data centers, and cloud systems. Microsoft will also train three million people in AI skills by 2028 and work with the Australian AI Safety Institute on testing and evaluating advanced AI systems.

The investment includes a memorandum with the Australian government on data center and AI infrastructure expectations, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen digital sovereignty and local AI capacity.