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Ethiopia: Microsoft and UNDP to Train 200,000 Ethiopian Etnerpreneurs

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) concluded a cooperative agreement with Microsoft East Africa Limited for the purpose of enhancing development activities in entrepreneurship areas. The agreement dictates Microsoft will extend training and mentorship services for 200,000 Ethiopian entrepreneurs via Ethiopia's UNDP supported Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP).

This is UNDP’s first private sector partnership in Ethiopia.

The services Microsoft is going to render are going to be part of the company’s 4Afrika Initiative. The initiative looks to accelerate Africa's economic development and improve its global competitiveness by empowering local entrepreneurs.

By concluding the cooperative agreement, Microsoft is expected to bring its vision and vast experience in ICT skills, education and curriculum into developing countries.

Support will also be provided by senior Microsoft executive volunteers as part of the deal. The support includes mentoring entrepreneurs on strategy and marketing; and support to the best innovators and nominates them for the 4Afrika Innovation Grant Award.

In addition to this, they will provide access to Microsoft BizSpark. Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that provides free software to start up entrepreneurs; and in future, help entrepreneurs exchange products and service and gain global recognition through the Microsoft Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) portal.

The deal also includes a 'Build Your Own Business' training. The training is designed for helping micro and small businesses empower current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Eugene Owusu, UNDP Resident Representative, commented "The goods and services offered by Microsoft provides a unique opportunity to unleash the potential of young and budding entrepreneurs. This will help them to play a vital role in the economic growth and transformational development of Ethiopia."

In conformity to Owusu’s comment, Country Manager of Microsoft East and Southern Africa, Eric Odipo, said: "It is critical to develop the capacity, knowledge and skills of local entrepreneurs who will stimulate local economies. We look forward to working with the UNDP in taking innovative business models to scale."

On his part Director Startup Engagement & Partnerships Africa Initiatives, Microsoft, Amrote Abdella, noted: "Entrepreneurs hold the key in driving innovation and long term competitiveness in the African economy. Microsoft's partnership with UNDP to support 200,000 entrepreneurs in Ethiopia is the first step in driving this growth".

This is not the first time Microsoft and UNDP joined hands for the purpose of promoting sustainable development, eradication of poverty, advancement of women, good governance and the rule of law. They have been successful in their previous endeavors in other countries.

The partnership targeting Ethiopia is said to focus on tackling principal challenges faced in building resilient nations, by empowering citizens and preparing them to join a dynamic and innovative 21st century workforce.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency