Application: Township Challenge
As part of Microsoft South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment initiative, the company is launching its third Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) to support the growth of black-owned and black women-owned SMMEs, stimulate job creation, and prepare South Africa for the future of AI. Over the next decade, the programme aims to empower nearly 250 SMMEs and startups by providing them with essential digital tools and skills for growth. Additionally, it seeks to equip around 50,000 TVET college students with relevant digital skills and tools, and to train over 2,000 young individuals in advanced AI skills crucial for employability. Furthermore, Microsoft South Africa’s EEIP will support up to 20 advanced research and development projects that address the nation’s current and future policy needs in critical areas such as Cyber Security and AI.
The Township Challenge is designed to bring digital capabilities to micro-enterprises in townships through Black South African owned companies that have existing relationships with micro-enterprises. This initiative focuses on Digital Enablement of Micro-Enterprises (MEs) using a platform-based approach, such as via Point-of-Sale systems and delivery apps (for example). The goal is to leverage the existing reach of such platforms to access a broad range of Micro Enterprises within townships, driving benefit to those end users at a large scale. Microsoft is seeking novel approaches to delivering AI and data-based capabilities to Township businesses.
We invite interested parties who feel they have a solution to apply. Please fill in the below form to register your interest in being contacted for the Microsoft Equity Equivalent Investment Programme Township challenge.