Microsoft, M-PESA partner to upskill African SMEs

NAIROBI, KENYA — Tech giant Microsoft has partnered with African fintech company M-PESA Africa to enhance the M-PESA Capability Development Academy, offering vital support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across several African countries.

Through this collaboration, Microsoft aims to equip SMEs with essential digital skills to thrive in today’s economy. M-PESA, which connects over 60 million customers and 900,000 businesses in eight African nations, processes over $1 billion daily.

“We are excited to partner with Microsoft to upskill entrepreneurs and provide them with business tools that will enable them to run their businesses better and to grow their businesses,” said Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Managing Director of M-PESA Africa.

SMEs generate around 40% of GDP and 90% of new jobs in emerging economies. However, 80% of African SMEs fail within five years, often due to limited access to digital tools, financing, and skills.

Microsoft, via its Africa Transformation Office, seeks to address the digital skills gap. It aims to digitally empower 10 million African SMEs with relevant business apps and skilling content. The program will roll out in M-PESA markets including Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, DRC, and Tanzania.