Opportunities
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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Varies (grant fund for startups; larger partnership investments for ISPs)
Microsoft's Airband initiative closes the digital divide by partnering with ISPs, device manufacturers, agricultural cooperatives, and startups to bring affordable internet access to unserved and underserved communities across Africa. The Airband Grant Fund provides capital to startups deploying innovative last-mile connectivity (TVWS, satellite, fixed wireless). Phase 2 (2025+) expands beyond connectivity into digital skilling, blended finance, and agricultural SME support.
Grant Capital
Airband Grant Fund provides capital investment for rural connectivity startups
Technology Access
Access to Microsoft technology stack, Azure credits, and technical expertise
Partnership Support
Co-development of connectivity solutions with Microsoft engineering teams
Digital Skilling
Microsoft Elevate programme and 'train the trainer' models (e.g., 50,000 farmers in Kenya)
Blended Finance
Phase 2 introduces blended finance mechanisms through AfDB partnership for agricultural SME support
Last-Mile Connectivity
Deploying affordable internet access to unserved and underserved rural communities using TVWS, satellite, and fixed wireless technologies.
Digital Skilling
Pairing connectivity with education and digital skills training, including Microsoft Elevate programme and train-the-trainer models.
Agricultural SME Support
Five-year agricultural SME program through AfDB partnership, connecting farmers to digital tools and markets.
Companies that can deploy affordable, scalable internet connectivity to underserved communities in Africa. Strong preference for innovative last-mile technologies (TV White Spaces, satellite, fixed wireless). Phase 2 priorities include companies that pair connectivity with skilling, agricultural services, or financial inclusion. Track record of reaching rural/peri-urban populations at scale.
Ongoing technical collaboration with Microsoft engineering teams, access to Azure cloud platform, Microsoft partner network, co-marketing opportunities, and connection to other Airband portfolio companies across Africa and Latin America.
Not a traditional application-based grant — partnerships are primarily by invitation/referral; Phase 2 strategy shift may change funding priorities; Large-scale ISP partnerships may not be accessible to very early startups
Microsoft Airband operates through partnerships rather than open calls for applications. Best entry points: (1) Apply to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub for initial relationship, (2) Attend Microsoft-sponsored connectivity events in Africa, (3) Connect through existing Airband partners like Mawingu or M-KOPA. The AfDB partnership opening in Phase 2 may create more structured application pathways for agricultural SMEs.
2017
Active Since
Yes
Deploying
Mawingu Networks (Kenya/Tanzania/Uganda — 28M people reached); Cassava Technologies (South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia — 30M people); M-KOPA (Kenya — device manufacturing); Liquid Intelligent Technologies (DRC, Tanzania, Zambia — 20M target); Ilitha/She Plays (South Africa — youth gaming for digital inclusion); 8 startups funded via original Airband Grant Fund (2018)