The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative is part of an ongoing "rebranding" of Africa toward a narrative that is more entrepreneurship and tech-focused. The continent of Africa, in the eighties, nineties and early 2000s was the target of large-scale Western-led charity initiatives. Think Live 8, where big-shot performers put on benefit concerts in order to raise money for charity. It was a follow-up to Live Aid, which was aimed at providing relief for the Ethiopian famine. Both concerts had a paucity of African performers.
And so, the focus on technology, economy and global competitiveness is a neat and politely depoliticized fit to talk about poverty. With ongoing corporate collaborations such as the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, it's crucial to consider what's invisible
Contact Information
Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative website
Microsoft 4Afrika on Facebook
Microsoft 4Afrika on Twitter
Tech-Focused Continent Narratives
The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative Promotes Entrepreneurship
Trend Themes
1. Entrepreneurship in Africa - The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative promotes entrepreneurship and a more technology-focused narrative in the African continent, leading to opportunities for businesses to offer innovative products and services.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility in Africa - The shift towards corporate collaborations for social impact in Africa, such as the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, presents opportunities for businesses to incorporate social responsibility into their operations and benefit local communities.
3. Depoliticized Narratives - The growing emphasis on depoliticized narratives, such as using technology and entrepreneurship to address poverty, presents opportunities for businesses to create innovative and non-traditional approaches to address social issues.
Industry Implications
1. Technology Industry - The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative's focus on technology in Africa creates potential for businesses in the technology industry to explore innovation and expand their offerings in the African market.
2. Entrepreneurship Industry - The promotion of entrepreneurship by initiatives like the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative highlights opportunities for businesses in the entrepreneurship industry to invest in and support the growth of African startups.
3. Corporate Social Responsibility Industry - The shift towards corporate collaborations for social impact, such as the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, emphasizes the importance of incorporating social responsibility into businesses' operations, creating potential for businesses in the corporate social responsibility industry to offer their services and solutions.