Even more news from Africa. Microsoft South Africa has introduced an online support program called Head Start, which is aimed at boosting tech startups and providing them with resources.
Resources like open access to a range of skill development means, as well as coaches and mentors.
Startups are provided with a variety of tools like Cloud Society, a digital training hub which provides training courses such as Introduction to Python, Securing Data in Azure and SQL Server, and Essential Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence.
Microsoft notes that Head Start helps tech startups innovate in the cloud, while at the same time strengthening the local startup ecosystem and preparing them to sell to the global marketplace.
In the words of Lionel Moyal, commercial partners lead at Microsoft SA:
“As a company whose mission it is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more, we understand how critical entrepreneurship is, especially in the South African context where job creation is vital if we are to improve our economy.”
Research conducted by IDC in partnership with Microsoft reveals that by 2022, the adoption of cloud services will generate nearly 112,000 new jobs in South Africa. And through this program, the company hopes to help grow startup businesses by opening the right doors at every step of their journey.
Starting with access to over 100 Microsoft Azure services, as a platform on which these startups can build their products. Office 365 tools are also in the mix, obviously.
You can register and join the Microsoft South Africa Head Start program here.
