Microsoft 4Afrika partners TEF to bring Digital Technology to Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across Africa

Sep 18, 2017

 

Microsoft 4Afrika has signed a partnership with Tony Elumelu Foundation to provide Technology and skills support to Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across Africa.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs program will benefit from technology tools, resources and mentorship in this partnership project. The mission is to help these entrepreneurs use ICT effectively to modernize their businesses and reach new customers.
Microsoft says “The support will be available across the continent through both virtual and in person experiences”.

Microsoft 4Afrika will also take the opportunity to identify highly potential entrepreneurs from the TEF Entrepreneurship  Programme and integrate them into its Innovation Grant Programme.

During the The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos in October, Microsoft will training them on Microsoft it’s technologies.

Speaking about the partnership Microsoft Nigeria country manger Akin Banuso said;

“Microsoft 4Afrika and the Tony Elumelu Foundation share a common goal to accelerate economic and social development by promoting entrepreneurship.
As we enter into an era of digital transformation, it’s vital that we help all entrepreneurs develop relevant technology skills and integrate ICT into their businesses. Technology can help SMEs reach customers outside their local markets, generate powerful business insights and improve their customer retention.
We have found that SMEs who adopt this kind of modern IT have seen 15% faster revenue growth than those not using it.”

Some of the benefits Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs will get from Microsoft 4Afrika’s partnership include:

• Access to cloud-based software, online support and technology through BizSpark
• Access to information and markets through the Biz4Afrika platform, where SMEs can trade with similar-sized organisations
• Technical training on Microsoft technologies and platforms during the 2017 TEF Forum
• Online business and technology training through the Microsoft Virtual Academy, to support entrepreneurs through their start-up, growth and acceleration phases
• Access to Microsoft experts for virtual and in-person mentorship through the MySkills4Afrika programme
• Access to the Interns4Afrika programme, for entrepreneurs to access and build their talent pipeline

Speaking on the partnership Parminder Vir OBE, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation said;

“With Microsoft on-board, we’re adding an essential ICT platform and partner to this mix, which will help to strengthen the capacity of our entrepreneurs, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive.”

Microsoft’s partnership will upskill about 3000 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across the African continent. It will also give 4Afrika the opportunity to reach thousands of SMEs.

Visit Microsoft 4Afrika and the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme  for more information.
What are your thoughts on the offerings and partnership? Share with us.