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First Bank of Nigeria, a tier-one Nigerian bank, and Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative – run by the American multinational technology company – hosted an event on Friday to mark the official launch of the new partnership for which the two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding in June 2018. The goal of the partnership is to build the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and accelerate their digital transformation.

“For SMEs, integrating technology into their operations is no longer an option, but a necessity for future growth and success," Amrote Abdella, Regional Director for Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, reportedly said before the event. "We’re looking forward to engaging in discussions that explore how technology can extend reach to new markets and improve productivity, which results in better customer service, more competitive offerings and the ability to act with agility.”

Also in attendance at the event, tagged: “The accelerating impact of digital transformation on business growth in Nigeria,” were Arjan Oude Kotte, Microsoft’s Director for the Middle East and Africa, and Wale Olokodana, Director of Enterprise Commercial at Microsoft Nigeria.

Gbenga Shobo, Deputy Managing Director of FirstBank, said, “This marks a new beginning. With this partnership, our customers and small business owners in Nigeria will have access to Microsoft productivity tools at discounted rates. Going forward, we will focus on creating more value for the SMEs.”

First Bank and Microsoft 4Afrika also said they will soon launch a web store – www.smeproductivity.com – which will enable SMEs to purchase different Microsoft solutions, including Office 365. The portal will also provide advice and resources to small business owners on how to grow their businesses.
 
“SMEs are the engine of every economy,” Kotte said, during his keynote address. “With this partnership, we will be supporting about 37 million SMEs in Nigeria with productivity tools that can make them grow sustainably.”

Microsoft launched its 4Afrika Initiative in 2013 and has been investing in start-ups, partners, small-to-medium enterprises, governments and youth on the African continent.