For many entrepreneurs the challenge has always been the effort to transform their ideas into reality and scale. There are many innovators that struggle to be heard and seek to have support for their businesses and goals, although for many their voices are not well amplified. This is why, Microsoft and accelaration hub GrowthAfrica partnered to launch the #insiders4Good East Africa Fellowship. This initiative has been designed to empower East African entrepreneurs with mentorship, technology and magnify their voices through the Window Insider Program, a global community of millions of Windows users using tech to make a lasting impact upon the world.
Africa has been viewed as one of the greatest continents on the planet to have the best emerging economy and innovators. It has been noted that our market’s economy has so much to offer that has not been tapped yet. So far the countries mostly explored have been Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. This initiative began in Nigeria, where 25 entrepreneurs were solidified. Now that they have come to East Africa, the #inside4Good East Africa fellowship will be awarded to 25 entrepreneurs from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The targeted business minds will be expected to have innovative social business ideas with the potential to improve their communities. With or without a background in technology anyone has the chance to be part of this great team. The fellows will receive a suite of Microsoft hardware and software, plus six months of tailored technical and strategic mentorship from local and international leaders.
According to the Microsoft Director of Software Engineering Bambo Sofola “East Africa is a key region where exciting new ideas are growing”. Recently, East African’s are creating extraordinary solutions that change the way communities and businesses solve problems and improve people’s lives. Patricia Jumi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of GrowthAfrica noted that access to technology and a community of likeminded individuals have been key success factors for many of the start-ups. In the long run, the main idea is to ensure that Africans are connected to technology in a way that it will make our lives easier and ideal.
The deadline to apply for the #insiders4Good Fellowship is March 31st, 2017, 23:59 p.m. East Africa time. However applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline. Applicants can visit http://insiderfellows.com for full information and the application form.