Microsoft has partnered with GrowthAfrica to launch the #Insiders4Good fellowship program in East Africa. The program seeks to support emerging entrepreneurs as they turn their business ideas into reality and scale. #Insiders4Good fellowship is designed to empower East African entrepreneurs with mentorship and technology, and amplify their voice through the Windows Insider Program, a global community of millions of Windows users using tech to make a lasting impact upon the world.
The program is looking for entrepreneurs (problem-solvers) who think deeply about the issues confronting their communities and have innovative social business ideas with the potential to improve their communities, the East African region, and the world. The #Insiders4Good East Africa Fellowship will be awarded to 25 entrepreneurs from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Fellows will receive a suite of Microsoft hardware and software, plus six months of tailored technical and strategic mentorship from local and international leaders.
According to Bambo Sofola, Microsoft’s Director of Software Engineering, “the #Insiders4Good Fellowship aims to recognize visionary entrepreneurs, enable them with technology and expert support, and unlock opportunities for them through the global network of Windows Insiders, the world’s largest community of people using technology to solve problems. The Fellowship aims to accelerate their journeys toward achieving their goals”.
Patricia Jumi, Managing Director and Co-Founder of GrowthAfrica, noted that access to technology and a community of like-minded individuals have been key success factors for many of the start-ups supported by GrowthAfrica’s acceleration programme. “Bolstered by technological resources, expert advice, and out-of- the-box thinking, I’m excited to see East African entrepreneurs continue to create solutions that can provide benefits globally, as well as locally,” Jumi said.
The deadline to apply for the #Insiders4Good Fellowship is March 31, 2017, 23:59 p.m. East Africa Time. Applicants can visit http://insiderfellows.com for full information and the application form.
