Microsoft East Africa Limited has signed a partnership agreement with the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) to make development activities within the areas of entrepreneurship better in Ethiopia.
The collaborative agreement incorporates ‘Build Your Own Business’ training, which is created to assist small and micro businesses empower aspiring and current entrepreneurs. It also permits Microsoft to offer mentorship and training services to Ethiopia’s UNDP supported Entrepreneurship Development Programme for 200,000 entrepreneurs.
This move will be part of Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative whose goal is to quicken Africa’s economic development as well as improve its worldwide competitiveness by empowering local entrepreneurs.
Top Microsoft executive volunteers will offer support by mentoring entrepreneurs on marketing and strategy. The volunteers will also nominate the best innovators for the 4Afrika Innovation Grant Award in addition to providing them access to Microsoft BizSpark.
Microsoft BizSpark is a worldwide program that offers startup entrepreneurs free software as well as assist them exchange services and products in addition to acquiring global recognition via the Microsoft Small and Medium Enterprise portal.
“This is Ethiopia’s UNDP first private sector partnership. The goods and services provided by Microsoft offers the young and upcoming entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to show their talent and help them play a major role in the economic growth and transformation of Ethiopia,” stated Eugene Owusu, the UNDP Resident Representative.