ChatGPT vs. GitHub Copilot for Excel Training in South Africa

ChatGPT vs. GitHub Copilot for Excel Training in South Africa.

In 2025, Excel is evolving rapidly with AI-powered tools and natural-language functions. Businesses no longer need to rely only on complex formulas or VBA macros to automate reports. Microsoft’s new =COPILOT function allows users to type commands like “Classify this feedback” directly into a cell — instantly producing AI-driven results.

At the same time, tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are transforming how professionals approach Excel training in South Africa, dashboards, and reporting. But which tool is best for your business?

GitHub Copilot: Best for Developers

GitHub Copilot integrates into code editors such as Visual Studio Code. For Excel users who regularly build in VBA or Office Scripts, Copilot is like predictive text for programmers.

Strengths: Fast code completion, saves time on repetitive loops, ideal for technical users who code daily.

Limitations: No direct link to Excel workbooks, doesn’t build dashboards or datasets, not designed for non-technical managers or teams.

👉 Verdict: Great for coders, but not enough for businesses looking for Excel dashboard automation or training outcomes.

ChatGPT: Best for Business Solutions and Training

ChatGPT goes beyond snippets of code. It delivers complete Excel solutions, training content, and even ready-to-use workbooks — making it perfect for companies needing AI in Excel reporting.

Build ready-to-use workbooks with PivotTables, slicers, and dashboards.

Explain and apply modern functions like XLOOKUP, FILTER, LET, and LAMBDA.

Automate workflows with Power Query and Power Pivot training examples.

Generate manuals, PowerPoint slides, and training case studies.

Provide real-world workplace datasets for South African businesses.

👉 Verdict: Ideal for teams who need Excel AI solutions for small businesses in South Africa — from HR reporting to financial dashboards.

What’s Trending in Excel AI Right Now

Natural language Excel functions: Microsoft’s =COPILOT enables cell-based prompts.

No-code Excel dashboards: AI-first platforms like Shortcut and Paradigm empower non-technical users.

AI-driven data cleaning: Faster reporting with automation.

Low-code / no-code solutions: Increasing demand for time-saving AI tools in everyday operations.

These trends prove why ChatGPT is so valuable for advanced Excel courses in South Africa.

SEO Tip: Excel Training in South Africa

If you’re exploring Excel training in South Africa, look for providers who teach both traditional Excel skills and AI-enhanced tools.

👉 At College Africa Group, we specialise in advanced Excel training. Our Excel Guru programme equips professionals to harness both classic features and AI-powered enhancements.

For insights, see our case study on A Tale of Two Enquiries

Don’t miss our article on the 10 Empowering Benefits of Training Your Employees  It shows why investing in skills always pays off.

And if productivity is the priority, read Boost Employee Productivity with Comprehensive Advanced Excel Training in South Africa

FAQs

• Q1: What’s the difference between GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT in Excel?

Answer: GitHub Copilot helps developers by auto-completing VBA/Office Scripts. ChatGPT delivers solutions, explanations, and dashboards for wider business use.

• Q2: What’s the cheapest way to start with AI tools for Excel?

Answer: Begin with no-code Excel dashboards using ChatGPT or Microsoft’s built-in Copilot. Supplement with Power Query and Power Pivot training.

• Q3: Can AI replace the need for Excel training?

Answer: No. AI makes tasks faster but staff still need advanced Excel courses in South Africa to understand formulas, dashboards, and reports.

• Q4: How do AI Excel tools help small businesses?

Answer: They simplify reporting, cut time on manual work, and make Excel AI solutions for small businesses in South Africa affordable and scalable.

Conclusion

GitHub Copilot is best for coders writing VBA/Office Scripts daily.
ChatGPT is best for businesses wanting ready-made Excel dashboards, automation, and training.

In South Africa, where Excel powers everything from retail to HR to finance, investing in Excel training in South Africa that blends traditional and AI tools is the smartest move.

With ChatGPT, you get not just the code, but also the solutions and skills to grow.

Don’t miss out on the countless opportunities that ChatGPT and advanced Excel learning can bring. Start your journey today and watch as your professional career reaches new heights!

Contact Arnold at +27 083 778 4903 or email sales@collegeafricagroup.com for more information about the advanced Excel course.

Free Advanced Excel Course Resources

ExcelTips Daily Nuggets

Chandoo

Ablebits