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

Invest in the Future of Township Economies

We empower Black-owned businesses in South African townships to drive growth for micro-enterprises using innovative digital solutions.

Township Challenge Initiative

The Township Challenge Initiative under Microsoft's EEIP is 
 designed to empower and support black-owned micro-enterprises in 
 township economies through existing platforms, networks or similar businesses which have a wide base of micro enterprises they are already connected with. 
 We are looking for innovative investment ideas to drive impact across your business and your network.

A young Black woman in a red top and yellow skirt shops at an outdoor market, reaching for a handcrafted item. A Black man with dreadlocks and glasses stands beside her, smiling. The market stall is filled with colorful jewelry and crafts.

Key Objectives:

Network Expansion

Leverage existing business networks to drive benefit to hundreds or even thousands of micro-enterprises.

Isometric online shopping: a laptop displaying a product page, a smartphone with a shopping cart icon, a credit card, a shopping bag, and a delivery truck.

Digital Innovation

Invite ideas on how such a network can develop AI or other digital technologies to the mutual benefit of the network business and the micro-enterprises with which they work.

Isometric Black business woman in a suit standing next to a tablet with products, a credit card, money, and a hand reaching out of a tablet with a shopping bag.

Win-Win Solutions

Fund creative approaches with the view to win-win mutually beneficial scenarios.

Isometric Black businessman pushing a shopping cart full of money, surrounded by charts and graphs showing growth. A magnifying glass sits in the foreground.

Programme Highlights:

  • Microsoft is looking for innovative ways to digitally enable Micro Enterprises in the Townships. If you’re a black owned business and have a network of Township business relationships, we are looking for innovative ways to leverage your network to benefit you and especially your customers.

    Maybe you’re a Point-of Sale Provider and could leverage the platform to bring a game-changing feature to your customers’ businesses with the right investment. Or maybe you’re in last-mile delivery, and have an idea to extend your service to Township businesses.

    The goal is to invest in these creative ideas to drive digital change across our Townships.

    A Black man in a workshop sands a wooden chair. Woodworking tools and materials are visible in the background.

  • Funding opportunities are provided to help cover operational costs, invest in growth initiatives, and expand market reach.

    A Black woman signs a document at a desk while a Black man in a suit watches with a smile. A computer and office supplies are on the desk.

  • The chance to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers through various networking events and platforms is provided.

    A diverse group of professionals networking at a conference. A Black woman in a red shirt holds a tablet and speaks with a Black man. Other attendees are visible in the background.

Who Should Apply?

If you operate in a Township and have a customer base of Micro Enterprises, we want to hear how you propose to use an investment in your business to the mutual benefit of your broader network!

Apply for the Township Challenge

Explore Other Opportunities:

Fuel Your Tech Startup's Growth

Tech Startup
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

Scale Your Existing Business with Technology

SMME Acceleration
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.

Partner with Us on Digital Innovation

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