Tech giant, Microsoft through its Microsoft4Afrika program has entered into a partnership with Ampion Africa to help young entrepreneurs and start-ups in Africa blossom.
Under this collaboration, over 200 entrepreneurs from across Africa are set to receive the resources, networking opportunities and mentorship needed to start their own businesses.
The 2015 program will start out with 5 buses of 40 entrepreneurs travelling across 16 countries in Africa. On the Venture Bus tour (the Venture Bus journeys connect African entrepreneurial talent with international investors) entrepreneurs will receive on-board mentorship and visit local tech hubs over seven days, with the aim of helping them develop solutions and business ideas.
Microsoft is to provide financial, technical, and mentorship support for the 2015 Venture Bus, fellowship and accelerator programs, alongside Ampion Africa.
“The seven-day Venture Bus program is designed to be intense, competitive and challenging – an ideal environment for innovation to thrive,” says Fabian-Carlos Guhl, Founder and Managing Director of Ampion Africa. “The Fellowship Program is then designed to sharpen the entrepreneurs and business ideas with the highest potential.”
Director of Startup Engagement and Partnerships at Microsoft 4Afrika, Amrote Abdella, said “Microsoft is keen on supporting an innovation ecosystem in Africa.”
According to Abdella, “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.”
AMPION is a pan-African entrepreneurship initiative to enable young Africans to start ICT companies, creating considerable social and economic impact.
The Venture Bus Tour is in its third year.