Microsoft’s lightning-fast internet venture promises to benefit over a mind-boggling 100 million Africans!

Are you able to comprehend the astounding news featured in Microsoft’s recent announcement? Over 100 million individuals residing in Africa have the potential to benefit from the newly launched Microsoft high-speed internet access initiative. As a part of its Airband partnerships services, Microsoft is extending its reach to areas such as Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Furthermore, they are targeting South American countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Microsoft’s major goal is to expand high-speed internet access to approximately 250 million people worldwide, exemplifying significant progress towards such a landmark feat. This deal is aimed at primarily covering unserved and underserved areas, which is quite a challenge. In Africa alone, where only 40 percent of the population has internet access, approximately 100 million people stand to benefit.

Studies have shown that a lack of access to broadband limits people’s ability to develop digital skills and expertise. Ultimately, such communities are left unable to participate actively in the digital economy, which is why Microsoft believes that access to the internet and meaningful connectivity is a fundamental right. The Microsoft Airband initiative was launched to bring transformative connectivity to undeveloped and underdeveloped communities worldwide.

In East Africa, Microsoft’s partnership with Mawingu will help expand coverage to about 16 million people who live in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda by the end of 2025, and ultimately 20 million people. Mawingu and Microsoft partnered back in 2014 with a pilot programme launched in Nanyuki. The project has expanded to provide high-speed internet access to four million Kenyans in rural areas. Consequently, the company has become Kenya’s leading internet service provider, focusing on rural and peri-urban markets, thanks to public-partnership initiatives.

Mawingu’s contribution to the provision of meaningful internet access cannot be overstated. With over 700 hotspots, Mawingu has been able to connect over 100 primary schools, vocational schools, and businesses. This initiative has enabled individuals in the community to access digital skills training and essential educational materials. Female entrepreneurs have also benefitted from the partnership, thanks to their Microsoft Philanthropies and Unilever collaborations.

In Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, Microsoft Airband partner Tizeti has brought coverage to over 900,000 individuals in Nigeria; the project has further expanded to focus on underserved states across the country. In collaboration with Tizeti, Microsoft is extending its reach into Cote d’Ivoire, a cultural crossroads of West Africa, with the view to bringing internet access to almost 5 million individuals. To ensure success, the partnership includes infrastructure support and the deployment of eight solar-powered towers, which will provide connectivity to households, small businesses, and hotspots. This access will empower greater education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for those living in underserved communities.

In conclusion, partnering with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative enables organizations to create the infrastructure necessary to provide connectivity support across different ecosystems that ultimately drive self-empowerment and sustainable growth. These partnerships are crucial in providing local expertise and experience necessary to attain greater goals tied to the support of connectivity.