Microsoft 4Afrika teams up with Tony Elumelu Foundation to help IT firms

Microsoft, through its 4Afrika Initiative, has collaborated with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to provide entrepreneurs in the foundation’s entrepreneurship programme with technology-based tools, resources and mentorship.

Microsoft said in a press release yesterday that through the support the two organisations will help entrepreneurs to use ICT to modernise their businesses.

Microsoft Nigeria general manager Akin Banuso said the company has found that SMEs who adopt modern IT have seen 15% faster revenue growth than those not using IT.

Microsoft and the Tony Emumelu Foundation will help entrepreneurs to use ICT to modernise their businesses

Microsoft 4Afrika will provide TEF entrepreneurs with:

• 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 startup, 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 build their talent pipeline

“Every year, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme provides 1000 entrepreneurs with business training, mentoring, access to seed capital funding and membership into the TEF Africa-wide Network,” said Parminder Vir OBE, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation.

“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.”

In addition, Microsoft will also identify high potential entrepreneurs from the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme and integrate them into its Innovation Grant Programme.

Since 2013, the Innovation Grant Programme has provided financial support to over 55 local startups, who have since generated $5.1 million in reciprocal investments.