Pascal Tuyishime, a Microsoft Developer Evangelist, recently conducted a class sponsored by Microsoft 4Afrika on the ’Windows Azure’ platform.

‘Windows Azure’ is a cloud computing platform and infrastructure, created by Microsoft, for building, deploying and managing applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers. It provides both PaaS and IaaS services and supports many different programming languages, tools and frameworks, including both Microsoft-specific and third-party software and systems. Azure was released on 1 February 2010.

The immersion programme’s goal is also to equip a special group of developers with the world-class technical skills needed to build highly relevant, immersive applications and cloud-based solutions. This group of developers will be able to deliver awareness events, develop apps and can potentially or build their own start-ups. 

This special group will, in turn, train other developers and equip them with knowledge on the key features and tools of the Windows platform, covering such areas as Microsoft Azure. 

These training workshops delivered by Microsoft Developer evangelists, with help from experienced Microsoft specialist, highlight the importance of the App Stars and the role they will play in our ecosystem. 

"We have an access to the Microsoft resources and under the Microsoft for African Initiative that our government is part of. We are bringing these resources to developers and making strategic partnerships to be able to deliver sessions on various aspects of the development process to enrich developers’ experience and the type of solutions that will be produced,” says Tuyishime. 

Applicants for the trainings need to have background knowledge in programming with experience in either java/c#. Other requirements include a laptop computer pre-installed with Windows 8 or latter (preferably a HyperV-enabled machine for emulator support). 

The immersion program also falls in line with the 4Afrika goal of empowering every African who has a great idea for a business or an application and to turn that idea into a reality, which in turn can help their community, their country, or even the continent at large. The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative is built on the dual beliefs that technology can accelerate.

What is Microsoft4Afrika? 

Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative is a new effort through which Microsoft’s work, team and resources will actively engage in Africa’s economic development to improve its global competitiveness.

Created in February 2013, Microsoft4Afrika is a strategic initiative to help Africa become more connected. By 2016, Microsoft wants to get millions of smart devices in the hands of African youth, get one million African businesses online, and help 100,000 graduates with employable skills, 75 percent of whom Microsoft will help place in jobs. 

One of the first devices the company launched was the Huawei4Afrika, a Windows smartphone preloaded with applications designed specifically for Africa. They also partner with governments and telecoms to provide low-cost, reliable wireless broadband to rural parts of the country.