The software giant, Microsoft Corp. has been committed to helping Africa improve its global competitiveness, and will give innovation grants to five African Startups from Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya. The grant is designed to provide the financial support needed by these developers and entrepreneurs in Africa.
Microsoft 4Africa initiative is expected place tens of millions of smart devices in the hands of African youth, bring 1 million African small and medium-sized enterprises online, upskill 100,000 members of Africa’s workforce, and help an additional 100,000 recent graduates develop skills for employability, 75% of whom Microsoft will help place in jobs.
Who are the lucky ones?
- Access.mobile LLC (Uganda) : A solution with a key focus in the agriculture and healthcare industries, giving enterprises the ability to collect, analyze and share clear, real-time information about their operations and supply chain activity.
- Gamsole (Nigeria): A mobile game production company creating Windows games, with downloads topping more than 4 million.
- Africa 118 (Kenya): A mobile directory services solution that helps bridge the information gap both for enterprises and consumers.
Accordingly, the grant, Microsoft said is part of the company’s 4Afrika Initiative, which was launched last year February. The exact amount of the Grant is unknown as per now but will be communicated.
