Microsoft opens its first cloud region in Belgium
“Innovation” and “economic growth” are the key words in the announcement of Azure Belgium Central. However, Microsoft intends to look beyond the physical infrastructure. The scope of the Digital AmBEtion plan is broader.
Through Azure Belgium Central, Microsoft is making its cloud services available locally in Belgium. The result is faster, more secure, and scalable cloud services with local data storage.
Operating with greater digital sovereignty, resilience, and cost efficiency. This is the first argument put forward in the Digital AmBEtion plan, Microsoft’s multi-year investment program aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Belgium.
For Marijke Schroos, General Manager, Microsoft Belux, “this is not just a technological investment, but also an investment in the future of the Belgian digital economy.”
According to IDC, over the next four years, Microsoft, its partners, and its customers using cloud services could generate approximately €59 billion in new revenue above 2025 levels. In addition, this growth is expected to add 85,000 jobs to the economy over the same period. This includes both direct employment within Microsoft, its partners, and its customers, as well as indirect jobs created in other organizations through the broader economic impact.
“Opportunity,” “strengthening”…
“This investment makes Belgium an essential link in European digital sovereignty. It is an opportunity that our country must seize with both hands,” said Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Service providers see it as a strengthening of ties with Microsoft.
“Azure Belgium Central enables us to offer secure, locally hosted solutions tailored to the needs of our customers and the market,” said Stijn Bijnens, CEO, Proximus Group.
When sustainability rhymes with innovation
At yesterday’s launch, Microsoft reiterated its commitment to covering all the energy consumption of its data center campuses with 100% carbon-free electricity purchases. This local investment is part of a more ambitious goal: to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030.
While this commitment is part of the Digital AmBEtion plan, Microsoft wants to look beyond physical infrastructure and highlight its actions in AI. For example, the collaboration project with the Flemish government aims to introduce Microsoft Copilot to 10,000 civil servants, making it one of the largest public Copilot projects in Europe. Microsoft has also launched a partnership with the Belgian Ministry of Defense, through a training program aimed at strengthening the AI skills of thousands of defense employees.
Finally, Microsoft’s AI National Skilling Initiative (AINSI) is an ambitious training program that aims to equip 600,000 people in Belgium with essential AI skills by 2028. To achieve this, Microsoft is collaborating with local partners such as BeCode and Howest to develop inclusive training programs.
