Microsoft aims to reach hundreds of millions in Africa
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A new generation of mobile phones running Windows will soon be for sale in Africa, as part of Microsoft’s 4Afrika project. Microsoft and its partners are planning to release phones within the price range of $75-$100 by the end of the year. This isn’t the first release of a phone running Windows in Africa, two years ago they released the “Huawei 4Afrika” and there had been other efforts before that. These phone releases are part of Microsoft’s 4Afrika project which tries to spread the availability and use of technology by getting phones to users, spreading the reach of the internet, and developing technological skills of the African people.
Microsoft accomplishes two different goals through their investment in Africa. They help get devices and the internet into the hands of potentially hundreds of millions of people. People in developing parts of Africa often lack the internet connection needed to grow their businesses and advance their education. Microsoft also has the potential to gain those hundreds of millions of potential users as long term customers. Africa is one of the fastest developing regions when it comes to technology and while Microsoft has competition it is not as fierce as in other countries.
From a human interest perspective, spreading the internet and smart devices helps people in education and business. Microsoft is working with partners to use the white space spectrum to deliver the internet to universities in Africa. Academic institutions and business in the modern world gain many advantages if they have access to the internet but the most basic is more rapid communication.
From a business perspective, Africa is one of the fastest area areas of growth in the world when it comes to technology. In countries where Microsoft is one of the first or only companies to have a foothold in the technological market, they can build their customer base and get users accustomed to their products and services. Microsoft has built partnerships with universities around the globe which is a hefty revenue source. Students that are taught on Windows devices are also more likely to use the ecosystem for business and personal use.
Image credit: Microsoft
