South African small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) have an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of artificial intelligence through a free three-day online AI training programme taking place from 28 to 30 September 2026. The AI for Beginners: SMME Digital Skills Transformation Training is organised by the South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) in partnership with Huawei as part of the Digital Entrepreneurship Programme. The training is specifically designed for SMMEs and will introduce participants to artificial intelligence and its potential applications in the digital business environment. The programme will take place entirely online, allowing eligible participants to join without travelling to a physical training venue. What Is the AI for Beginners Training? The AI for Beginners training is a short digital skills development programme aimed at helping SMMEs gain foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence. As AI increasingly influences how businesses communicate, analyse information, develop products, automate processes and engage customers, understanding the technology can provide entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge for navigating the changing digital economy. The programme offers SMMEs an opportunity to learn about AI in an accessible format without paying a course fee. The initiative forms part of the Digital Entrepreneurship Programme, reflecting the growing importance of digital skills in supporting entrepreneurship and business development. Who Is Organising the Programme? The training is being organised by the South African Government’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, in partnership with Huawei. The collaboration brings together public-sector digital development efforts and private-sector technology expertise to provide digital skills training for South African SMMEs. The programme is specifically organised for SMMEs, meaning prospective participants should ensure that they meet the intended audience requirements before confirming their participation. What Will Participants Gain? The programme is focused on AI for beginners, making it potentially suitable for SMME owners, entrepreneurs and business teams who are at an introductory stage of their AI learning journey. Participants will have an opportunity to build foundational awareness of artificial intelligence and consider how digital technologies can become part of modern business practices. For an SMME, developing basic AI literacy can help business owners better understand emerging technologies and make more informed decisions about digital transformation. The training may also encourage entrepreneurs to think about how technology can support areas such as productivity, customer engagement, content creation, business operations and innovation. Free Three-Day Online Training One of the major advantages of the programme is that it is free of charge. The training will run for three consecutive days: 28 September 202629 September 202630 September 2026 Each session will take place from: 09h00 to 12h00 The programme will be delivered online, making it possible for participating SMMEs to attend remotely. The three-day format provides a concentrated learning experience that participants can fit around their business responsibilities while gaining exposure to fundamental AI concepts. Who Can Participate? The opportunity is intended exclusively for SMMEs as part of the Digital Entrepreneurship Programme. This means that the training is not presented as a general public AI course. Business owners and representatives of South African SMMEs who are interested in developing their digital skills should consider confirming their participation. Applicants should ensure that they can attend the sessions on all three days before confirming availability. Because the training is delivered online, participants will also need access to a suitable device and reliable internet connection to take part effectively. Why Should SMMEs Learn About AI? Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to businesses of different sizes. For small businesses, learning about AI can help entrepreneurs understand emerging tools and identify areas where technology could potentially improve efficiency. AI literacy can also help business owners participate more confidently in discussions about digital transformation and make better-informed decisions when considering new technologies. For entrepreneurs who are still unfamiliar with AI, a beginner-focused training programme can provide a useful starting point without requiring advanced technical knowledge. The programme’s focus on SMMEs is particularly relevant because smaller businesses often need practical and accessible opportunities to build digital capabilities while managing limited resources. Training Schedule Participants should take note of the following schedule: DetailsInformationProgrammeAI for Beginners: SMME Digital Skills Transformation TrainingDates28–30 September 2026Time09h00–12h00 dailyFormatOnlineCostFreeTarget groupSMMEsProgrammeDigital Entrepreneurship ProgrammePartnersSouth African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and HuaweiAvailability confirmation deadline15 September 2026 at 16h30 Important Confirmation Deadline SMMEs interested in participating should confirm their availability by 15 September 2026 at 16h30. This deadline comes before the training itself, so eligible businesses should not wait until the final days to confirm their participation. Participants should ensure that they are available from 09h00 to 12h00 on 28, 29 and 30 September 2026. How to Participate Interested SMMEs should follow the participation and confirmation instructions provided by the organisers. Before confirming availability, businesses should review the training information and ensure that an appropriate representative will be available to attend the full three-day online programme. Participants should also make the necessary arrangements for internet connectivity and a suitable device so that they can participate effectively in the virtual sessions. A Digital Skills Opportunity for South African Entrepreneurs The AI for Beginners: SMME Digital Skills Transformation Training 2026 provides South African SMMEs with an opportunity to build foundational AI knowledge through a free, three-day online programme. With the training taking place from 28 to 30 September 2026, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to learn about an increasingly important area of digital technology without having to travel or pay a training fee. For SMMEs seeking to strengthen their digital capabilities and better understand the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, this programme could be a valuable introduction. Interested SMMEs should confirm their availability by 15 September 2026 at 16h30 and ensure they can attend all three training sessions. Training: AI for Beginners: SMME Digital Skills Transformation TrainingDates: 28–30 September 2026Time: 09h00–12h00 dailyFormat: OnlineCost: FreeTarget audience: South African SMMEsOrganisers: Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, in partnership with HuaweiConfirmation deadline: 15 September 2026 at 16h30 EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW