TheCable

US Software giant, Microsoft Corp., has been identified as the platinum sponsor for this year’s DEMO Africa award set to take place in Lagos this September.

As the platinum sponsor, Microsoft will serve as a key sponsor, offering its financial support alongside LIONS@FRICA partners, VC4Africa and Nigeria’s federal ministry of information and communication technologies.

DEMO Africa is arguably one of the biggest startup events in Africa.

This year’s event will feature 40 techpreneurs across Africa who will be showcasing their product idea to potential investors.

A list of the final 40 techpreneurs published by the organisers in July shows that Nigeria has the highest representation on the final list.

Of the 40 projects to be showcased, 14 are projects from Nigeria.

Other countries with high representation include Ghana, Kenya and Egypt.

Speaking on initiative, GM Africa Initiatives at Microsoft, Fernando de Sousa said “DEMO Africa has given a platform for investors to realize the enormous potential amongst African youth showcased through startups”.

DEMO Africa’s executive producer, Harry Hare, acknowledged the support of Microsoft and their efforts in uplifting young entrepreneurs in Africa, saying: “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.”

The DEMO Africa event is expected to attract top investors, technology acquisition specialists, IT buyers and media from across the region and around the globe.