The Tony Elumenlu entrepreneurs across Africa, amongst them Cameroonians, will be given the opportunity to effectively use ICT to modernise their businesses.

Global tech giant – Microsoft – has partnered with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to boost the skills of entrepreneurs across Africa. Following the partnership which was reached recently, Microsoft, through its 4Afrika Initiative, will provide TEF entrepreneurs with technology-based tools, resources and mentorship. The initiative will help entrepreneurs effectively use ICT to modernise their businesses and reach new customers.

Microsoft officials said the programme will provide the entrepreneurs with access to cloud-based software, online support and technology through BizSpark. It will also give them access to information and markets through the Biz4Afrika platform, where small and medium sized entreprises can trade with similar-sized organisations. In addition, the entrepreneurs will be provided, amongst others, with online business and technology training through the Microsoft Virtual Academy, to support entrepreneurs through their start-up, growth and acceleration phases.

“Microsoft 4Afrika and the Tony Elumelu Foundation share a common goal to accelerate economic and social development by promoting entrepreneurship,” said Akin Banuso, General Manager of Microsoft Nigeria. “As we enter into an era of digital transformation, it’s vital that we help all entrepreneurs develop relevant technology skills and integrate ICT into their businesses. We have found that SMEs who adopt this kind of modern IT have seen 15% faster revenue growth than those not using it.”

This year, TEF is offering 1,000 entrepreneurs with business training, mentoring, access to seed capital funding and membership. Some 21 Cameroonians are among the beneficiaries.