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SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, explores how managed IT services and IT consulting can help entrepreneurs scale their operations. “Combining managed IT services and IT consulting can significantly help your business grow,” says Graeme Millar, …
Climate change means extreme events are likely to happen more often
There’s no getting around the fact that entrepreneurs or business owners building a thriving business today need to embrace digital and cloud-based technology. After all, our phones and devices, and the access that they provide us 24/7 are part of our personal and working lives – for better or for worse. Let’s explore how Fintech …
We all know that cloud-based functionality makes the world go round, especially when it comes to cloud accounting. But what about security, and ensuring that this digital landscape is properly regulated and controlled? After all, we can no longer lock up our sensitive financial documents in the office safe! But rest assured, there are several …
The rise of the Fintech industry and cloud technology has changed the way in which we do business. Gone are the days of disjointed and disconnected technology platforms that are unable to talk to each other and lack real-time reporting capabilities. The Fintech, automation and digital landscape has exploded, with a number of cutting-edge technologies and software …
Up to R70-million budgeted for building in central Pretoria
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, explores strategies for making smart IT investments. Over the past few decades, advancements in IT have revolutionised company operations and reshaped the dynamics of competition in nearly every industry. “In …
Every entrepreneur who has put in the time to build their business from an idea to a thriving reality, wants things to run smoothly. From people to financials, process automation is key. We always recommend Fintech solutions as a starting point to a streamlined business that saves time and money where possible and runs like …
Don’t get left behind by using server-based, legacy technology to run your business. With Outsourced CFO experts at your side, you can automate and streamline your financial and operational processes, giving you an edge in today’s fast-paced digital business world. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as cloud accounting, data analytics, and real-time reporting, we aim …
MEC Mbali Hlophe won’t say how much the province spent on the advertorials
Department acknowledges that the appointment of Open Water, which also probed the Ace Magashule Free State housing scandal, was irregular
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, examines critical aspects of digital transformation, IT security, and how to budget for IT success effectively. “Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technology into all aspects of your …
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, explores the benefits of next-gen IT services and how blending digital and IT integration expertise can future-proof your business. “One of the most effective ways to ensure your business stays …
As any startup founder knows, a rapidly growing business can suddenly find itself facing unexpected infrastructure challenges caused by the complexity of managing multiple financial systems. Entrepreneurs often struggle with these complexities – it’s not just about handling cash flow and keeping accurate records, it’s also about ensuring scalability and flexibility within your finance function …
The hybrid event will bring together startup founders and pioneers from across Africa; Microsoft's startup partners and customers will take to the main stage to share their stories of success; Up to 10,000 startups will be given access to industry-specific expertise and insights on how best to take their business to the next level with the help of AI
Microsoft announced the introduction of its first African Startups AI Fest at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco today. Spearheaded by the organisation's Africa Transformation Office (ATO), the event promises to inspire and support startups to accelerate their journey to market with the right AI-powered tech solutions. The event, scheduled for 6 June 2024, will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, with virtual access available to attendees across the continent.
The African Startups AI Fest will bring together founders, entrepreneurs, business decision-makers, engineers and developers in the startups space from across the continent. This inaugural event aims to showcase the transformative power of AI and how startups can use this revolutionary technology to drive innovation and take their ideas not only to local markets but a global stage.
“There is a need to provide startups on the continent with the resources to take their concepts from the drawing board to customers,” says Lillian Barnard, Microsoft Africa President. “From AI-enabled tech solutions to advanced digital skills, startups need to be given every opportunity to thrive in a highly competitive global market because they are the catalysts for job creation and economic growth in Africa.” Overcoming mounting economic pressures
Recent research from The African Tech Startups Funding Report (http://apo-opa.co/3KlSzQs) has found that funding for tech startups in Africa has declined after a highly successful 2022 when 633 tech startups raised over $3 billion in funding.
“In the face of a challenging economic climate, startups across Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience,” Barnard says. “Despite the tough conditions, they have ignited a wave of innovation. Empowered with the right tech tools, startups can scale their solutions, enhance productivity, and drive growth. At Microsoft, we believe that technology, particularly the transformative power of AI, holds the key to a more empowered future in Africa.”
Finding the right tech partner
Over the years, Microsoft has supported startups on the continent to grow and develop. These success stories include the likes of RE Legal Interact, M-KOPA, Omnisient, Zen Dawa, Deepecho and Terragon.
Legal Interact (http://apo-opa.co/3yDXE45) is an Independent Software Vendor that has integrated Microsoft AI into its software and recently launched the first AI lawyer in South Africa. The solution is automating certain tasks by providing quick answers to legal questions, freeing up time for attorneys to address more complex legal queries. Thanks to IoT tools and AI-powered automation in the cloud, M-KOPA (http://apo-opa.co/3yMX8jX) is providing inclusive financial services such as insurance and loans to people across East Africa. The fintech business has gone on to provide millions of families and entrepreneurs with the financial support they need to purchase solar systems, motorbikes and smartphones.
Attendees of the inaugural African Startups AI Fest will be introduced to these and other startup success stories on the continent. In addition, Microsoft, its partners and customers will introduce and demonstrate how AI tools can be leveraged by entrepreneurs in ways that give their businesses the extra edge in a competitive landscape.
The organisation aims to reach 6,000 to 10,000 of these businesses and provide them with customised support through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programmes. Founders and entrepreneurs will be primed for growth through industry-specific webinars designed to help startups scale, pitch coaching sessions that will help investors enhance their pitching skills and navigate common challenges, investor community sessions that will connect startups with top investors from the Continental investor community to glean key insights on securing their first investments, integration with the Microsoft Independent Software Vendor programme and insights on how to best use AI technologies to propel their businesses forward.
To register for the African Startups AI Fest, participants can register HERE by June 5th, 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Microsoft.
About Microsoft:
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
The opportunity in Africa is immense, but there is a pressing need to adopt digital platforms to accelerate Africa's economic growth and better enable Africans to participate in the global digital economy. Through the Africa Transformation Office, Microsoft focuses on four essential development areas – digital infrastructure, skilling, SMEs and start-ups, supported by strategic partnerships with industry alliances and coalitions, to fuel investment in Africa and further establish the continent's export of digital services. Read more about Microsoft's Africa Transformation Office HERE: apo-opa.co/3Kib6gu.
Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial markets, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping operational strategies and enhancing efficiency. Among the plethora of technological advancements, cloud computing and machine learning stand out as critical drivers of change. This article delves into how these technologies, along with data engineering and streaming, are revolutionising automated …
Introduction Digital transformation is revolutionising industries across the globe, and South Africa is no exception. At the heart of this transformation are cloud service providers in South Africa, which provide the flexibility, scalability, and efficiency businesses need to stay competitive. These providers are playing a pivotal role in enabling businesses to leverage advanced technologies and …
Today marks the official launch of the Founders Cartel, a dynamic coalition of South Africa’s most promising startups, aimed at revolutionizing the local and global startup ecosystem. The cartel has been formed to help founders in the group share best practices, share knowledge, conduct business among themselves, and consolidate their efforts in pursuing opportunities. The …
Success in 2024 In 2024, our CEO anticipates that the Unlimited Web Hosting with Free Domain Name offer will have significantly expanded our customer base and strengthened our position as a leader in the web hosting industry. By providing unparalleled value and empowering individuals and businesses to establish a robust online presence, we will have …
The South African fraud landscape has steadily increased over the past five years, making this one of the top risks South Africans face daily. Evidence of this risk is clear for all to see with the recent hack of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), which are …
In the world of web stats and performance there is really only one indicator that can tell a PR Professional that their content is receiving love from people. No – it is NOT the number of times that it has been viewed but the LENGTH OF TIME that people spend reading the article. Most articles …
BCX Alibaba Cloud Academy and Arovy University have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at empowering students to cultivate essential skills for the expanding digital economy in Africa. The basis of this initiative is the Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Programme, a pioneering effort to embed digital excellence within academic institutions globally. Arovy University, situated …
In light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by South African consumers, including the cost of living crisis, persistent inflation, and high interest rates, Damian Baker, Head of Cloud Accounting at financial consultancy firm Outsourced CFO, shares vital strategies for navigating these turbulent times. With the South African Reserve Bank maintaining a cautious stance on …
Outsourced CFO marked a significant milestone as they were honoured with the prestigious title of Xero Partner of the Year 2024. The award was accepted by Jacques le Grange and Damian Baker during a vibrant ceremony, celebrating their leadership in cloud accounting. This accolade comes as a recognition of the exceptional contributions made by the …