Microsoft partners with tech hubs to fast-track investment in Africa’s startup ecosystem

Microsoft partners with tech hubs to fast-track investment in Africa’s startup ecosystem

Microsoft wants to accelerate the growth of startups in Africa and fast-track investment in Africa’s startup ecosystem. By providing support to 10,000 startups over the next five years to enable them grow. A new partnership with accelerators, tech hubs and incubators across Africa including Grindstone, Greenhouse, FlapMax and Seedstars will seek to provide startups with access to markets, technical skills, and funding opportunities.

Through the intiative, startups will get access to technology, skilling programs and an opportunity to co-sell with Microsoft. They will also get support from Microsoft engineering and product teams for co-innovation opportunities.  

Africa’s startup ecosystem Microsoft

Microsoft believes the vibrant African startup market is well placed to become a cornerstone of the continent’s digital economy. However it represents less than one percent of total investments worldwide. Wael Elkabbany, Managing Director, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, points out, this needs to change.

Investments into Africa’s startup ecosystem are growing at an exciting pace. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), there are more than 640 active tech hubs across Africa, accelerating innovation and creating employment, particularly among the youth.”

Wael Elkabbany

Microsoft will also partner with key B2B-focused start-ups, scaleups, “soonicorns” and unicorns across a range of leading African industries. As well as startups concentrating on developing solutions for SMEs. Microsoft will tailor each partnership based on the needs of a startup says Gerald Maithya, Startups Lead, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office.

We understand that each start-up is unique and exists beyond the limitations of a one-size-fits-all partnership model. Therefore Microsoft will tailor each partnership to the needs of individual start-ups, providing support and access. – Whether to technology, markets and co-sell opportunities, funding or digital skills. – To enable them to grow and contribute to the wider economic growth of Africa,”

Gerald Maithya

Microsoft is also partnering with venture capital investors to facilitate access to $500 million in potential funding and has launched the Startups Founders Hub in Africa. Through the Africa Transformation Office, Microsoft will enable digital transformation powered by Africans for Africa.

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Microsoft launches Founders Hub in Africa to support 10,000 startups

Microsoft launches Founders Hub in Africa to support 10,000 startups

Microsoft is bringing the Startups Founders Hub to startups in Africa through new initiatives by the Africa Transformation Office. The Founders Hub tries to remove traditional barriers that startups face when building a company. African startups will be able to get free access to technology, coaching, and support to hit their next milestone.

The self-service hub, Microsoft Notes, will provide startups with a wide range of resources. This includes access to mentors, skilling content, tools like Microsoft Azure and GitHub, and go-to-market and business support.

Founders Hub Microsoft Africa

The Founders Hub also includes opportunities for startups to sell to Microsoft’s corporate and enterprise customers. Helping with some of the early challenges startups face when it comes to finding customers. Microsoft will also support startups in geo-expansion activities, where startups can scale up by selling in new countries or regions. 

The Founders Hub allows Microsoft to engage with accelerators, incubators and tech hubs across the continent“, says Gerald Maithya, Startups Lead, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office.  

Our partnerships with key African accelerators provide crucial support to accelerate growth-stage startups with their business development and market expansion plans.

Gerald Maithya

This is part of new Microsoft initiatives under its Africa Transformation Office to accelerate the growth of 10,000 African startups and fast-track investment in Africa’s start-up ecosystem over the next five years. Including the announcement of $500 million investment funding to enable startups to rapidly scale. And new partnerships with accelerators and incubators to provide startups with access to markets, technical skills and funding.

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