Microsoft and Amazon have announced a significant investment of €5.5 billion into the French artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure sectors. The commitment was made during the “Choose France” summit organized by President Macron, showcasing the country’s growing momentum in the tech industry.
Leading the charge, Microsoft has pledged €4 billion ($4.3 billion) towards building cloud and AI infrastructure in France. This investment aligns with Microsoft’s global strategy to expand its Azure cloud and AI tools. The company aims to train one million people in AI skills by 2027 and support 2,500 startups. In 2024, Microsoft partnered with and invested €15 million in Mistral AI, a Parisian startup competing with OpenAI, highlighting France’s emergence as a key player in the global AI race.
On the other hand, Amazon has committed €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) for cloud infrastructure and logistics in France. Amazon Web Services (AWS) will expand its cloud infrastructure in Paris to support the growing generative AI sector. Additionally, Amazon plans to enhance its logistics network in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to improve delivery speeds and reduce carbon footprint. The investments are expected to create over 3,000 new jobs in France, adding to the existing 22,000 employees across Amazon’s cloud and online retail businesses.
Microsoft’s investment spree extends beyond France, with recent announcements of €3.2 billion in Germany and $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi’s AI company G42. This aggressive expansion aims to solidify Microsoft’s leadership in cloud and AI technologies. However, their cloud dominance has attracted antitrust scrutiny, particularly with the substantial investment in OpenAI raising concerns about anti-competitive practices.
The combined €5.5 billion investment from Microsoft and Amazon in France is set to boost the country’s AI sector, create jobs, and strengthen its cloud infrastructure. The strategic partnership between these tech giants and France is expected to shape Europe’s technological future, positioning the country as an innovative and expanding market in the tech industry.