Africa’s involvement in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector has received a boost, with Microsoft’s Africa Transformation Office (ATO) set to foster collaboration between start-ups and industry leaders.

The initiative will provide support and resources to AI start-ups on the continent, reports Africa Business Communities.

Microsoft’s collaboration with AI chipmaker NVIDIA’s Inception programme will offer cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and go-to-market support to help start-ups ‘in overcoming challenges such as scaling their solutions globally and accessing a broader customer base,’according to Gerald Maithya, GM of ATO.

An estimated 2 400 AI start-ups have already launched on the continent, and the Microsoft AI Startups initiative hopes to build on this momentum.

The company’s Africa Development Centre, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the initiative, through virtual AI training for developers, workshops and guidance on generative AI tools.

10 December 2024
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