Microsoft, M-PESA Africa partners to provide access to the Microsoft Community Platform and SME Skilling Program
Date: 2023-10-04
Microsoft's African Transformation Office and Microsoft Philanthropies are teaming up with M-PESA Africa to provide Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa with access to the Microsoft Community Platform and SME Skilling Program. The partnership's goal is to encourage digital transformation and enhance the capacity of MSMEs.
In a statement issued on
Microsoft's social media LinkedIn post, it noted that as part of the partnership.
M-PESA Africa will digitize skilling and leverage the community platform to
equip MSMEs with the necessary skills to develop stronger business models,
manage their finances and offer exceptional customer service.
Connecting more than 60
million customers and more than 900,000 businesses through M-PESA business solutions
across eight countries, Africa’s leading fintech and payment service, M-PESA
Africa processes more than 91 million transactions and over $1 billion in value
per day.
According to M-PESA
Africa, with the youngest working population in the world, Africa could supply
the next generation of the workforce.
“However, to take advantage of this opportunity the widening skill gap must be addressed. Small and Medium Enterprises are a crucial part of contributing to Africa’s inclusive socio-economic growth,” the statement said.
It also explained that in emerging economies, SMEs account
for 40% of GDP, and generate at least 90% of new jobs, however, research
indicates that up to 80% of African SMEs fail within the first five years
despite having the highest entrepreneurship rate in the world.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
