Microsoft partners FirstBank Nigeria to provide SME’s with a platform to accelerate their digital transformation journey

Jan 25, 2019

Microsoft Partners with FirstBank Nigeria Limited. Providing SME’s with a skills development platform, access to networks and discounted Microsoft products, payable in local currency.

FirstBank Nigeria

The partnership started out as a memorandum of understanding in June 2018. Microsoft through its 4Afrika arm has reached an agreement with FirstBank of Nigeria. To provide a platform for small and medium scale enterprises accelerate their digital transformation journey.

SME’s will have access to “value-added products, services and offerings. Such as access to premium content, business networks, capacity building initiatives and more“. This includes access to Microsoft productivity suite tools at discounted rates. FirstBank hopes this will “drive the growth of SME’s within the Nigerian context. That’s “by providing easy access to productivity tools, capacity building and a platform for SME education“.

Microsoft 4Afrika’s regional director, Amrote said integrating technology into operations is no longer an option but a necessity.

With this partnership, FirstBank customers can buy Microsoft products at discounted rates in the local currency – the naira – As this seamlessly aids technology adoption, skills and capacity development among SMEs in Nigeria.
For SMEs, integrating technology into their operations is no longer an option, but a necessity for future growth and success.
Technology and the relevant digital skills today play such an integral role in business success. We’re working with organisations to extend this support to as many SMEs as possible, ensuring not only their success, but the growth and competitiveness of our continent in an increasingly digital world
.

This partnership is a landmark step in our quest to leverage the influence of technology in businesses, especially in today’s digital age”. – Taiwo Shonekan, Head Customer Experience and Value Management, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited

Microsoft says beneficiaries of the portal “will be exposed to skills development resources, access to business networks and an educational platform”. The portal is will be available to only FirstBank customers.