Microsoft’s Connectivity Milestone: 117 Million Africans Connected Ahead of 2025 Target

Microsoft has achieved a remarkable milestone in its efforts to expand internet access across Africa. Surpassing its ambitious 2025 goal early, the tech giant has successfully provided connectivity to over 117 million people. This monumental achievement underscores Microsoft’s commitment to closing the digital divide and enabling economic opportunities for underserved communities. The initiative, which combines partnerships with local ISPs, device manufacturers, and organizations like the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlights the critical role of innovative collaborations in driving meaningful connectivity.

What Does Connectivity Mean in Microsoft’s Vision?

According to Melanie Nakagawa, Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer, connectivity is only the beginning of a transformative journey. It ensures that individuals gain reliable internet access through technologies such as fiber broadband, wireless networks, and satellite connectivity. Nakagawa emphasized that while connectivity serves as the foundation, the ultimate goal is to build a robust digital ecosystem that fosters skills development and economic inclusion. A recently released AI diffusion report by Microsoft uses a pyramid model to highlight the steps needed to leverage this access effectively—from energy access to computing, and finally, digital and AI skills. Despite this progress, 2.2 billion people globally remain offline, making such efforts critical for long-term digital inclusion.

Innovative Models Transforming Africa’s Connectivity

Microsoft’s strategic partnerships have been pivotal in achieving its connectivity goals. One shining example is East Africa’s Mawingu, which has connected over 28 million people, including schools and farming cooperatives, while also venturing into device manufacturing. Similarly, Cassava Technologies has delivered high-quality internet to 30 million people across South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia, scaling operations effectively with a pan-African approach. Another standout initiative is the Ilitha She Plays program, which uses gaming as an entry point to provide affordable internet access, digital skills training, and inclusion opportunities for youth. These innovative models underscore the importance of addressing specific needs when bridging the connectivity gap across diverse communities.

The Role of AfDB in Scaling Solutions

The partnership between Microsoft and the African Development Bank (AfDB) represents a leap forward in leveraging blended finance to address Africa’s connectivity challenges. This collaboration is expected to positively impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural sector, where economic growth is tightly linked to increased digital access. By integrating digital tools with agricultural practices, farmers will gain access to financial markets, improve crop management, and enhance productivity. Key metrics such as economic output, value-chain integration, and farmer income will be used to measure the program’s success over five years.

Challenges and the Need for Policy Support

While Microsoft’s efforts have yielded impressive results, challenges remain. Accurate data on connectivity gaps is crucial to reach underserved populations effectively, and governments must adopt technology-neutral policies that allow the use of diverse connectivity solutions like fiber, wireless, and satellite technologies. Additionally, sustainable funding and digital literacy programs are essential to ensure communities know how to use new technologies safely and productively. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda have demonstrated the success of supportive policies and multi-stakeholder initiatives, paving the way for greater involvement across the continent.

The Future: Skills and Economic Opportunity

Phase two of Microsoft’s Africa strategy shifts from basic connectivity to enabling economic impact through education, digital skills development, and blended financing. Initiatives like the Microsoft Elevate program and collaborations with Mastercard exemplify how digital skilling can empower communities. For instance, farmers in Kenya participating in a “train the trainer” model have moved away from outdated paper-based methods to digital tools that allow for real-time data management, improving productivity and access to financial services. As technology evolves, Microsoft’s efforts aim to empower millions more in Africa to participate in the digital economy.