#NTA2017: Microsoft, GrowthAfrica launch #Insiders4Good Fellowship for East Africa region

This initiative is a new partnership between Microsoft and GrowthAfrica, 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 #Insiders4Good East Africa Fellowship will be awarded to 25 entrepreneurs from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda who have innovative social business ideas with the potential to improve their communities, the East African region, and the world. #Insiders4Good Fellows will receive a suite of Microsoft hardware and software, plus six months of tailored technical and strategic mentorship from local and international leaders.

Speaking at at Next Africa 2017 Confrence, a two-day meeting of the minds designed to engage, empower, inspire and build technology that better supports African creators, Microsoft Director of Software Engineering Bambo Sofola that thousands in East Africa are creating extraordinary solutions that change the way communities and businesses solve problems and improve people’s lives.

“Innovation is in the DNA of all Windows Insiders. We see East Africa as a key region where exciting new ideas are growing. We’ve been impressed and heartened by the progress made already by the first 25 #Insiders4Good Fellows in Nigeria, and we’re thrilled to expand the #Insiders4Good Fellowship into East Africa. The region is well known as a hotbed of innovation. We look forward to deepening our relationships with these exceptional entrepreneurs across East Africa and to supporting their goals with this Fellowship,” he added.

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, a global community of over 7 million Windows users.

The deadline to apply for the #Insiders4Good Fellowship is March 31, 2017. Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline. Applicants can visit insiderfellows.com

The #Insiders4Good initiative was first launched in Nigeria as #WINsiders4Good to mark Microsoft’s Windows 10 first Anniversary in September 2016. The fellowship was in search of 20 Nigerian entrepreneurs.