Can you believe it? It’s been 30 years since Microsoft opened its first office in Africa. That’s right, 30 years of empowering Africans with technology, innovation and skills. 30 years of making a difference in education, health, agriculture and more. 30 years of being part of the continent’s amazing journey.
But we’re not here to brag. We’re here to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than with some fun facts about Microsoft in Africa? Here are some of the highlights from our three decades of presence and impact:
Did you know that Microsoft was the first global tech company to launch a datacenter region in Africa? That’s right, we beat Google and Amazon to it. And we didn’t stop there. We also launched the first cloud services from Africa, enabling businesses and organizations to access world-class technology and innovation locally.
Did you know that Microsoft has trained over 1.7 million young Africans in digital skills since 2013? That’s more than the population of Gambia. And we’re not done yet. We’re committed to reaching 4 million more by 2023, through our flagship programs like 4Afrika, YouthSpark and DigiGirlz.
Did you know that Microsoft has supported over 500 startups in Africa, helping them grow and scale their businesses? That’s more than the number of lions in Kenya. And we’re not just talking about funding. We’re talking about mentorship, technical support, access to markets and customers, and more.
Did you know that Microsoft has partnered with over 200 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Africa, helping them leverage technology for social good? That’s more than the number of countries in the world. And we’re not just talking about donations. We’re talking about co-creating solutions, sharing best practices, and empowering communities.
These are just some of the facts that make us proud of our work in Africa. But we know that we couldn’t have done it without you. You are the ones who inspire us, challenge us, and collaborate with us. You are the ones who make Africa what it is today: a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic continent.
So thank you for being part of our journey. Thank you for trusting us with your dreams and aspirations. Thank you for letting us be part of your story.
Microsoft is hosting the first International DigiGirlz Camp dubbed 2022 Africa-Canada Microsoft DigiGirlz Virtual Camp. It will bring girls from Africa and North America together as part of events planned to mark year’s International Women’s Day on March 8. The three-day Africa-Canada DigiGirlz digital camp for girls in science targets junior to high school girls between the ages of 11 to 17 years. It aims to introduce and inspire them to careers in science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The theme for the 2022 Africa-Canada Microsoft DigiGirlz Virtual Camp is “lifelong learning”. The digital camp is entirely virtual and will take place between March 7th and 10th. For 2-hour workshops at 4 PM GMT, 7 PM EAT, 8 AM PT, 11 AM ET daily. It will provide an opportunity for the girls from Africa and North America to connect.
Microsoft is organizing the first International DigiGirlz Camp in partnership with Fair Chance Learning. The program will give girls hands-on experience with technology. Through workshops to help them bring their ideas to life as well as opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and networking.
“The youth who grasp today’s tech will change tomorrow’s world“, notes Wanjira Kamwere, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office’s Business Development Manager, when announcing the program.
“Right now, women lack a clear pathway to technological experience and resources. At Microsoft DigiGirlz, we’re helping girls across the globe—and especially those in under-represented communities—learn the skills they need to realize their passions in a tech-filled future“.
“The camp is open to girls of all skill levels. It provides hands-on workshops that are led by supportive instructors who can help you increase your abilities. For girls who may have already taken technology classes in school, the camp workshops will provide you with quick exposure to new technologies to help enhance your knowledge.”
Wanjira Kamwere, Business Development Manager, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office
Microsoft says enrolment of students is on a first-come, first-served basis. Event content and curriculum are for specific age groups. So applicants are to check the target audience before enrolling a student in a DigiGirlz program. Teachers and educators can also enrol their students as a group.
The DigiGirlz registration form must be completed by an adult aged 18 or older. The parent or legal guardian of attendees under the age of 18 may complete the registration form to register the student for a DigiGirlz program.
Wanjira Kamwere explains that Microsoft DigiGirlz events are to provide a gender-specific approach to introducing girls to career opportunities in technology. In a safe setting that is attuned to addressing specific biases and challenges that might impact their experience. However, event participation is open to anyone, regardless of gender identity, who aligns with the mission to provide an environment that encourages girls’ participation in technology.
Microsoft notes that mentorship programs such as the DigiGirlz can help encourage women to pursue these careers.
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Microsoft wants high school girls around the world to develop their understanding of Artificial Intelligence. To achieve this, the company is introducing the DigiGirlz AI Class in partnership with Avanade and Accenture.
The program gives girls access to a collection of tutorials, games and technological resources. Designed in a way that it equips them with the skills and knowledge to apply the technology in real life.
Participants of the program will be treated to workshops led by industry experts. They will also receive help from mentors at Microsoft, Avanade and Accenture to develop their own projects.
Dubbed “Alice envisions the future“, it promotes endless curiosity and determination. Microsoft aims DigiGirlz AI Class will help “close the gap in STEM fields”. By “giving girls the right tools to discover the possibilities that await them“.
All high school girls worldwide can participate in the program. You don’t need any coding experience to begin.
The various workshops include Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep learning & Neural Networks and AI for Good.
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DigiGirlz is a Microsoft YouthSpark program which gives middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops.
Microsoft Ghana partnered with Airtel Ghana through it’s Evolve with STEM initiative for the first Ghana edition of DigiGirlz day.
DigiGirlz day took place at the iSpace Hub in Labone and had about 60 girls participating in the program. The program brought in to mentor the girls, Lucy Quist; Managing Director of Airtel Ghana, Elizabeth Patterson; founder and director of Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, Anita Erskine; founder of Brand Woman Africa, a media entrepreneur, TV & Radio host, Anne Amuzu; co founder Nandi Mobile, Larissa Bowen-Dodoo; founder of Levers in Heels, Florence Toffa; Director of Mobile Web Ghana and founder of Fime Project and others.
These mentors shared inspiring personal stories that’ll bring belief, empower and challenge the young future leaders to go into the technology industry. There was also an Hour of Code session where participants were taught how to code in HTML. The break out sessions dealt with topics like Effective and safer internet usage, Scams and email messages, Why STEM is important,
Derek Appiah Microsoft country manager about the program said;
Microsoft is committed to encouraging more women to join the ICT industry and we are inviting Ghanaian high school girls to discover the opportunities that exist for them in our industry. We want to demystify any belief that STEM is for boys so as to ensure that they make the right education choices now for the bright future that they deserve
It’s been an exciting time spent with all the participants of DigiGirlz today. I am encouraged by their curiosity, passion and determination throughout the session.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is an enabler for creativity and problem solving in young people which is why we launched the Evolve with STEM initiative to inspire belief, empower and transform mindsets of young people towards STEM.
We are proud to be associated with DigiGirlz, which aligns with Evolve with STEM. It is great to see organizations like Microsoft, a technology giant, support initiatives to empower young people through STEM
