Microsoft is to invest billions of dollars expanding its data center footprint in Brazil.
The company this week announced plans to spend 14.7 billion Reais ($2.7 billion) in cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure over three years.
Microsoft will expand its cloud and AI infrastructure across several data center campuses in the state of São Paulo.
Microsoft already has two Azure regions in the country: Brazil South, based in São Paulo state and launched in 2014, and Brazil Southeast, based in Rio de Janeiro, launched in 2020.
“We are committed to supporting Brazil’s AI transformation and ensuring it benefits everyone,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO at Microsoft. “Our new investments in cloud and AI infrastructure and training in Brazil will help ensure broad access to both the technology and skills needed for Brazil’s people and economy to thrive in this AI era.”
The company said this is its largest single investment in Brazil and includes an initiative to train 5 million people over the next three years with AI skills.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth in Brazil. We are empowering individuals, companies, and society to enhance innovation and democratize the use of AI through skills development, knowledge sharing, and access to cutting-edge technology and digital infrastructure, while also meeting our sustainability goals,” added Tania Cosentino, general manager of Microsoft Brazil.
Microsoft launched the São Paulo Azure cloud region in Campinas in 2014. It was expanded to three availability zones in 2021. Last year it was revealed the company was working on additional facilities in the Hortolândia and Sumaré areas of São Paulo state.
The company announced plans for the second Brazilian region in Rio de Janeiro in 2020. The location is no longer listed on the company’s site and has been re-classified as a ‘reserved access region.’
Last year Microsoft signed a 15-year renewable energy contract with AES Brasil to offtake from the Cajuína Wind Complex, located in Rio Grande do Norte. The project started commercial operations in July 2024.
