Microsoft announced a new initiative to accelerate the growth of AI-driven startups in Africa through the Africa Transformation Office (ATO).
This initiative, launched in strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, aims to support AI startups across Africa. It follows the success of Microsoft’s African Startups AI Fest earlier this year.
The partnership includes NVIDIA’s Inception program, which offers entrepreneurs access to advanced technology, mentorship from industry leaders, and networking opportunities with venture capitalists and global partners. In addition, Microsoft will provide support for technological infrastructure services like Azure and GitHub, as well as access to global markets.
Gerald Maithya, General Manager of Microsoft ATO, emphasized that the collaboration aims to address Africa’s unique challenges and find solutions through artificial intelligence. This partnership is designed to equip African entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and support for global success.
Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, with its dynamic workforce and over 2,400 active AI startups, presents a robust innovation environment. Success stories such as Snark Health in Kenya, Aibanc in Nigeria, and PCS Agri in Morocco illustrate AI’s transformative impact on industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and fintech.
Through Microsoft’s Africa Development Center (ADC) in Nairobi, the initiative will also offer AI training sessions, workshops, and hands-on mentoring to ensure entrepreneurs have access to world-class resources.
