The Information Technology (IT) sector consists of firms that make communication possible both on a local and global scale. Many other companies rely on IT for their operation and growth.

Over time, the IT sector provides a good return on investment for business owners and investors, but it is capital-intensive and requires much technical knowledge to operate.

The following is a list of investors that provide funds and/or technical assistance to those interested in IT.

• Barclays corporate and investment bank accelerator program - Barclays is a commercial financial institution that has been in operation for over a century. This is a 13 weeks program to support early-stage businesses towards growth. This program provides mentoring from successful businesses in the industry and it also offers a grant of up to $120, 000 depending on the location. The accelerator program focuses on startups with promising digital solutions and willingness to attend a 13 weeks mentoring program. Here's how to apply https://home.barclays/who-we-are/innovation/barclays-accelerator/about-the-accelerator/#

• The Baobab Network - The Baobab network is a Kenyan-based venture capital firm that invests in IT startups across Africa. Funding of up to $50,000 is provided to scale up startups with viable digital solutions. Businesses applying for this funding opportunity do not necessarily need to be incorporated, the investors are more concerned about the business idea presented. Successful applicants would also receive free training for a week, consultation with experts, access to a community of investors, and partnership opportunities with other firms. Applications are accepted throughout the year and successful applicants are contacted within 4-12 weeks of application. Learn more about this funding opportunity. https://thebaobabnetwork.com/apply/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnNacBhDvARIsABnDa6-1DCGQIaVLP6lK89M2GRfXEcySHCCAQYsealBNjKi_vedUs0daq8EaAgQzEALw_wcB

• MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for Africans - MasterCard Foundation is a philanthropic organization managed by MasterCard - a Canadian-based financial institution with global coverage. The foundation's programs promote inclusion and diversity, especially in Africa. One such program is the MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for African students. This program provides full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses for African students in selected academic institutions globally. It aims to support young Africans who seek to learn about IT, digital solutions and other sciences. Candidates are required to send applications to the selected academic institution and MasterCard Foundation. Application fees would be reimbursed for successful applicants. You can get more details at https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/becoming-a-scholar/apply-to-the-scholars-program/

• Intel Foundation - The Intel Foundation is a charitable organization founded and operated by America's largest producer of semiconductors - Intel Corporation. For over 30 years, the Intel Foundation has been organizing efforts to provide education and improve the quality of life in communities worldwide. This foundation supports underrepresented groups like the girl child.

• The WiSci (Women in Science) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) camps is one of Intel Foundation's global programs developed in partnership with the US Department of State and the United Nations Girl Up campaign to train young girls in IT, science and other fields. Another such program is the Intel She Will Connect initiative that trains secondary school girls to gain experience in technology, computer, engineering and related fields. Look up the details of it . https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/promoting-stem-education.html

Investing in IT is tasking but it is well worth the effort. To access global opportunities, it is important to identify a local or global problem and build solutions around them.

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