Two Black professionals, a man and a woman, collaborate in an office setting. The man is holding a tablet and gesturing towards a computer screen, indicating a discussion about data or design

What is Microsoft's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme(EEIP)?

Microsoft's EEIP is a catalyst for a digitally inclusive and technologically proficient South Africa. We strive to bridge the digital divide and create viable opportunities for communities and businesses.

Two young Black men are looking at a laptop together on a porch or balcony. One has his arm around the other's shoulder. It suggests collaboration, possibly in a relaxed or informal setting, and highlights the importance of mentorship or peer support.

Our Goals: A Digitally Empowered South Africa

We invest in a future where education is democratised, learning institutions are empowered, graduates bridge the gap from academia to business, South African startups compete globally, and SMMEs wield the full power of technology.

EEIP: Making a Difference

Through Microsoft's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), we aim to:

42

Empower up to 42 SMMEs and startups.

200

Support up to 200 SMMEs and 2,000 individuals with advanced AI and other capabilities

18

Digitally Transform 18 TVET colleges

20

Support up to 20 advanced research and development projects

Our initiatives

Technology-based Startups

Do you have a technology-based startup with a vision to apply cutting-edge technology to create a better future for South Africa? If technology is your game, we're interested in hearing from you!

Discover Startup Opportunities
A Black man in a meeting shakes hands with a woman across a conference table. Other colleagues are present, suggesting a successful negotiation or partnership. It represents positive workplace relationships and successful business outcomes

SMME Acceleration

Is your Black-owned SMME ready to unlock its potential and drive fundamental growth for employment and the South African economy? We aim to enable SMMEs to leverage technologies like AI and Data to scale their businesses.

Scale Your Business with EEIP
A Black male engineer wearing safety glasses, a hard hat, and ear protection, uses a tablet while standing next to a robotic arm in a factory. It highlights the intersection of technology and skilled labor, showcasing innovation in manufacturing.

Township Challenge

Do you operate in a Township with a customer base of Micro Enterprises? 
 Do you have a vision for enabling and assisting these businesses to grow at scale using emerging technologies? 
 Be part of democratising AI and 
 digital technologies for all.

Transform Township Economies
A Black barber, wearing gloves, gives a haircut to a client. It represents entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and the provision of personal services.

Skills Development

Are you an SMME seeking key skills 
 to realise your vision? Are you an ambitious young South African with a passion for technology? Our Youth and SMMEs need the digital and business skills to compete on the world stage.

Develop In-Demand Skills
A Black man and woman work together on a coding project, using multiple computer screens. The woman is pointing at the code. It represents teamwork, technical skills, and the importance of diversity in STEM fields.

Research and Development

Do you have a research project based around emerging technologies that can benefit South African SMMEs? Help us invest in the future.

Advance Digital Innovation
A group of Black professionals is in a meeting, reviewing documents and data. It represents teamwork, data analysis, and strategic planning.

Become an EEIP Supplier

Are you a Black South African SMME looking to partner with Microsoft and play a vital role in delivering the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme?

Partner with EEIP