Microsoft Corporation has taken up platinum sponsorship for this year’s edition of
DEMO Africa that will be held later in the month, in Lagos, Nigeria. The company
will participate in the event for the 3rd time under the Microsoft 4Afrika
initiative. 

The sponsorship will see Microsoft offer financial support for the event where 40
tech based start-ups from across Africa are expected to pitch to potential
investors. DEMO Africa recently released the names of the final 40 start-ups that
will launch on the DEMO Africa stage where Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt will have
the highest representation.

Commenting on the collaboration, Fernando de Sousa, GM Africa Initiatives at
Microsoft, underscored the importance of innovations to the growing African economy.
“DEMO Africa has given a platform for investors to realize the enormous potential
amongst African youth showcased through startups. As an organization that has
operated in the continent for over 20 years, Microsoft believes  Africa’s economic
take-off to long-term growth prospects  will be determined by the investment
decisions we make today in support of  youth initiatives. ” 

Welcoming the support, DEMO Africa’s Executive Producer, Harry Hare commented that
investor’s confidence plays a very critical role in motivating start-up
entrepreneurs .” We acknowledge the support of Microsoft and their efforts in
uplifting young entrepreneurs in Africa. It’s this kind of support that assures us
that the future is indeed bright for Africa and at DEMO Africa we are keen to make
our contribution to this success.

As has been witnessed in the past, the September event is expected to attract top
investors, tech acquisition specialists, IT buyers and media from across the region
and around the globe. Participants’ registration is already open at eventbrite.

DEMO Africa 2014 is scheduled to take place between 22nd and 26th of September at
the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s event is being organized in
collaboration with the LIONS@FRICA partners, VC4Africa and Nigeria’s Federal
Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies.