Microsoft4Afrika has launched Biz4Afrika, an online hub that provides Kenyan small and medium enterprises with access to locally relevant information. Microsoft launched the portal at the opening of the Connected East Africa event in Diani, Kenya.
The online portal, according to Microsoft, is an Africa-wide network of SMEs, which is designed to enable a sustainable and connected community of entrepreneurs to have a meaningful impact on job creation, global competitiveness and wealth creation.
“The continued shift from a labour-based economy to a knowledge economy will require increased online presence, particularly by small medium enterprises (SMEs) who contribute about 45% of Kenya’s GDP”, Kunle Awosika, country manager of Microsoft Kenya, opined at the launch event.
The basic services of Biz4Afrika are offered in ‘Freemium format’, however, more advanced features will be paid for.
“East Africa has already been cited by Harvard University as having surpassed the tipping point from primarily exporting raw materials to creating and exporting value-added goods/services”, Kunle added.
The portal also hosts an unrestricted access to professionals, leading service providers across important categories that aims to resolve challenges most SMEs operating and growing their business on the African continent encounter.
“The online hub aims to meet the needs of every startup, small business and medium-sized enterprise at three entry points: start, growth and acceleration phase”, he postulated further.
Image Credit: Microsoft4Afrika
