Global software giant Microsoft has set itself the target of up-skilling at least 200 000 Africans and getting a million small and medium businesses online within the next three years.
The initiative, 4Afrika, aims to help drive economic growth across Africa and represents a "massive" investment by the US-based company. Africa, which is home to a trillion people and has a combined gross domestic product of $1.5 billion - just less than Brazil - is seen as the next frontier of growth.
Some 16 of 30 of the world's fastest growing economies are in Africa, and the combined economic growth is projected to be around 5.25% between 2012 and 2013. Microsoft has been present on the continent for 20 years and operates in 14 countries.
Local flavour
Microsoft SA MD Mteto Nyati, speaking at the launch in Johannesburg this morning, said the continent-wide initiative aims to engage in Africa's development and improve its global competitiveness. "Microsoft wants to invest in that promise."
As part of its plan, Microsoft aims to make "tens of millions" of affordable smartphones available to Africans, and has launched, in conjunction with Huawei, the first "Windows Phone 4Afrika".
The handset aims to boost mobile accessibility and adoption within Africa. The Huawei 4Afrika will be available from Huawei in SA, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Angola and Morocco towards the end of March.
In addition, 100 000 Africans will be up-skilled, and 100 000 recent graduates trained across the continent. A million small and medium enterprises will be aided to get online so they can be competitive in a global arena.
Locally, the company has committed to incubate 200 start-ups each year, support 100 000 small and medium companies so they can grow, skill and train 3 000 unemployed graduates and, through its Application Factory, train people so they can build 700 Africa-focused apps a year.
Deputy communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams says the continent needs real investment that will impact on everybody's lives. There is a need to make sure technology is available, affordable and accessible.
Nyati says that, while Africans consume technology, little is created in Africa, and this is a situation that needs to be turned around so that the continent can be competitive.
There are people with great ideas in Africa, and this is what Microsoft wants to harness, says Nyati. Microsoft is embarking on the initiative in partnership with several entities, including business, government and non-governmental organisations.
Nyati says "we cannot do it all by ourselves," and the company is willing to partner with competitors in a bid to spur economic growth.
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