Reaching the Next 5 Billion People, Microsoft Debuts New Programs

Microsoft has already indicated a strong commitment to reaching out to the next 5 billion people with initiatives such as the Unlimited Potential Group. And the Redmond giant is making good on the promise of making its technology ubiquitous beyond the existing first billion users of its software products. In this regard, the software company inked a partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. designed to introduce new community programs focused on Africa and Asia.

"Today's most pressing issues of social and economic development require more than traditional philanthropy," stated Iqbal Noor Ali, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation. The partnership between the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Group and the Aga Khan Foundation will span across a variety of problem areas for communities in Africa and South and Central Asia. The two have agreed to collaborate in building and delivering technological solutions to issues ranging from economic development to financial services, but also dealing with health, education and civil programs.

"Our agreement with Microsoft today marks a joint, long-term commitment to help the most vulnerable in society with the most innovative, appropriate solutions and technologies at our disposal," Ali added. The initial stage of the collaboration will see the two partners set up a strategy designed to tailor global information and communication technology (ICT) solutions to the existing network of 18 Aga Khan Academies.

"If we are to meet our goal of reaching the next 5 billion people around the world who are not yet realizing the benefits of technology, it is critical that we look at innovative partners which span communities and geographies. We are thrilled that the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. will work with the Unlimited Potential Group to help address the needs of the marginalized urban and rural communities in Africa, South and Central Asia," Michael Rawding, vice president of the Unlimited Potential Group at Microsoft, stated.

But Microsoft plans to go beyond simply offering what the Redmond giant referred to as technical assistance and advisory services. The software company will work with Aga Khan Foundation in order to bring technology information to rural areas across Africa and Asia, and with governments across the two continents on youth empowerment initiatives.