• By 2025, 20 million more individuals in Africa will have access to the internet thanks to a collaboration between Microsoft and Liquid Intelligent Technologies
  • Microsoft's initiatives are aimed at solving the problems that LDCs, which makeup 13% of the world's population
  • Microsoft also announced new initiatives to accelerate the growth of 10,000 African startups and fast-track investment

Harare- By 2025, 20 million more individuals in Africa will have access to the internet thanks to a collaboration between Microsoft and Liquid Intelligent Technologies. Microsoft's Airband Initiative, which aims to give those without access to high-speed internet access, will be expanded through this partnership to unserved and underserved areas, including LDCs like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

Also, the internet giant is working with Synapse, the International Organization of Employers, and four LDCs to train 20,000 young people, women, and business owners in digital, business, and employability skills. Microsoft is also concentrating on expanding the cybersecurity talent pool, especially in Africa, as internet access and the digital economy develop.

In a different collaboration, Microsoft is collaborating with OCP Africa to scale its Digital Agricultural Platform across Africa, which offers fertilizer solutions tailored to regional needs and crop requirements. By 2030, it is intended to assist 40 million African farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The UN LDC5 Private Sector Forum, which will examine how to harness digital development to speed up sustainable development for LDCs, is preceded by several efforts.

Microsoft's initiatives are aimed at solving the problems that LDCs, which makeup 13% of the world's population but only represent 1.5% of the global GDP and less than 1% of global trade, face on the social, economic, and environmental fronts. The tech giant intends to further the UN's objective of accelerating sustainable development in LDCs by increasing digital infrastructure, digital skilling, and digital development, reflecting the company's continuous dedication to the UN's mission.

Other Microsoft initiatives in Africa

Microsoft also announced new initiatives to accelerate the growth of 10,000 African startups and fast-track investment in Africa's startup ecosystem over the next five years earlier in 2022. These initiatives fall under the purview of Microsoft's recently established Africa Transformation Office (ATO). To give industry-based companies access to markets, technical expertise, and investment options, Microsoft is also forming new collaborations with accelerators and incubators across Africa, including Grindstone, Greenhouse, FlapMax, and Seedstars. With support from Microsoft's engineering and product teams, these agreements are intended to give African startups access to technology, skill-building programs, and markets, including chances to co-sell with Microsoft, and markets.

Microsoft is creating industry alliances and collaborations with venture capital investors that will make it easier for African entrepreneurs to access $500 million in potential funding, enabling them to scale up quickly using investment funds. The money for this project will come from a network of venture capitalists who will contribute a portion of their funds to Microsoft network startups. The intention is to expand this network of venture capital investors over the next five years to increase funding, enable them to scale up and spur economic growth. Microsoft has already formed partnerships with some significant venture capital investors, including Banque Misr, Global Ventures Capital, and Get Funded, Africa.

Africa’s startup market is booming

According to Microsoft, the dynamic African startup sector is well-positioned to encourage local innovation by providing pertinent answers to societal problems and serving as a cornerstone of the continent's digital economy. In conclusion, Microsoft thinks that investing extensively in Africa would pay off in the future because the region is largely made up of young people.

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