In a major development, Microsoft has unveiled an expansion of its Airband partnerships to provide high-speed internet access to nearly 40 million people across Latin America and Africa. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower communities in unserved and underserved areas.
Bridging the Connectivity Gap
Microsoft’s new partnerships in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda represent significant progress in the company’s commitment to extending high-speed internet access to 250 million people worldwide. The focus is particularly on Africa, where 100 million people are expected to benefit from this endeavor.
Enhancing Connectivity in Africa
Microsoft Airband has collaborated with Kenyan service provider Mawingu to provide high-speed internet access to over four million Kenyans living in rural areas. Mawingu has become Kenya’s leading internet service provider, providing internet access to different locations such as hotspots, vocational schools, and businesses. The company has partnered with Unilever and Microsoft Philanthropies to offer access and skills to female entrepreneurs. The partnership between Microsoft Airband and Mawingu will be expanded to cover 16 million people across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda by 2025. The initiative will bring coverage to a total of 20 million people.
In Nigeria, Microsoft Airband and Tizeti’s partnership has expanded to provide internet access to almost 5 million people in Cote d’Ivoire. Tizeti has already brought coverage to over 900,000 people in Nigeria, focusing on underserved states across the country. The partnership with Microsoft includes infrastructure support and the deployment of eight solar-powered towers to provide connectivity to households, small businesses, and hotspots. This initiative will empower greater access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Through the partnership with Mawingu, Microsoft Airband has deployed over 700 hotspots and connectivity to over 100 primary schools in Kenya. This has enabled community members to access digital skills training and essential education materials. The partnership with Tizeti will also provide much-needed internet access to remote communities in Cote d’Ivoire, where electricity is frequently unavailable, insufficient, or unreliable.
Microsoft Airband’s partnership with Mawingu and Tizeti demonstrates its commitment to bridging the digital divide in Africa. The initiative will provide more people with access to the internet, empowering them with digital skills, education, and opportunities. The use of solar-powered towers will also ensure that internet access is available even in areas with unreliable electricity.
Digital Opportunities for All
Expanding high-speed internet access across Latin America and Africa demonstrates dedication to bridging the digital divide, empowering communities, and unlocking opportunities for millions of people. With ensuring connectivity, every person and organization can achieve more through technology.
