Microsoft 4Afrika and partnered AMPION to back this year’s Venture Buses, providing financial, technical and mentorship support to more than 200 entrepreneurs from across Africa.
AMPION Venture Bus trips have already taken place in Morocco and West Africa, with three more scheduled for later this year, with Microsoft 4Afrika now collaborating to support the initiative.
By the end of the year, five buses of 40 entrepreneurs will have travelled across 16 countries in Africa, with entrepreneurs receiving on-board mentorship and visiting local tech hubs over seven days, with the aim of developing solutions and business ideas.
After the trips have concluded, over the next six to nine months Microsoft 4Afrika will offer entrepreneurs in-country and virtual mentorships through the MySkills4Afrika volunteer programme and technical and business support and skills training through BizSpark and the Microsoft Virtual Academy programmes.
“Microsoft is keen on supporting an innovation ecosystem in Africa,” said Amrote Abdella, director of startup engagement and partnerships at Microsoft 4Afrika.
“Entrepreneurs who tackle issues create the path for innovative solutions while building sustainable businesses on the continent. Through our collaboration with AMPION, we look forward to giving young talent the tools and resources needed to succeed – laying the foundation for the creation of globally competitive businesses.”
“The seven-day Venture Bus programme is designed to be intense, competitive and challenging – an ideal environment for innovation to thrive,” said Fabian-Carlos Guhl, founder and managing director of AMPION Africa.
“Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative shares our vision of inspiring entrepreneurs and cultivating innovation across the continent. We are excited to have them on board, as they understand the power of technology in empowering entrepreneurs to become pan-African change agents.”
