A local Ugandan startup going by the brand name Access mobile, which is focusing on agriculture and health care industries has been awarded the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative grant. The grant is part of the company`s 4Afrika Initiative, which was launched in February 2013 to facilitate the company’s active engagement in Africa’s economic development to improve its global competitiveness.
Last year, Microsoft 4Afrika extended the Microsoft Ventures partnership program to Africa, with startup accelerator 88mph as its first partner. Through the 4Afrika Initiative, Microsoft is now extending its support to include grants to start ups, selecting five start ups as the first set of recipients.
The five African start ups were announced on Monday February 3, 2014, and will be award innovation grants designed to provide the financial support needed to cross borders and empower the next generation of developers and entrepreneurs in Africa. The startups were selected based on the uniqueness and scalability of their solutions, their business models and the relevance of the key problems they are addressing.
Letters to My Younger Self: What Uganda’s CEOs and Professionals Wish They Knew at the StartThe solutions and apps developed by the startups are relevant to consumers and the African market, ranging from agriculture, education and consumer (gaming). Winners of the grants include: access.mobile LLC (Uganda), Africa 118 (Kenya), Gamsole (Nigeria), Kytabu (Kenya) and Save & Buy (Nigeria). In addition to grants, Microsoft will provide technical support and mentorship to help these startups develop their businesses through the company’s Center of Expertise.
This group of Microsoft technology enthusiasts focuses on using Microsoft tools and technologies to solve business problems. The 4Afrika Initiative aims to help startups break through barriers and reach new heights with the help of Microsoft’s data platform solutions, unified communications, optimized desktops and enterprise project management.
“As part of the 4Afrika initiative, we are excited to be supporting startups that have developed innovative solutions that address key issues in Africa,
