Microsoft 4Afrika, an initiative of technology giant Microsoft, has signed a strategic alliance with Saphon Energy, a Tunisian renewable energy startup that specialises in the research and development of wind energy.

The contract, which was signed at this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Morocco, will see Microsoft provide financial resources, technology support and large scale visibility to Saphon Energy.

Saphon Energy’s invention, known as the ‘Saphonian’ or ‘Zero-blade Wind Converter’ is an award-winning patented bladeless and rotation-less technology. It is used to convert wind energy into electricity. It can also be used to pump water and spread connectivity. The firm is also developing Maraya, a solution that enables the collection and monitoring of data.

“Microsoft 4Afrika’s support of Saphon Energy is a perfect illustration of our commitment to promote new ideas born in Africa with the potential to change the world,” says Samir Benmakhlouf, Managing Director of Microsoft Morocco.

“North Africa is an important region to us. We see tremendous potential for technology in the region to transform the lives of people, increase business aptitude and bring positive change across society,” he added.

Creator and Founder of Saphon Energy, Anis Aouini, said support from companies like Microsoft is very important as it helps African tech companies transcend, scale and unleash their true innovative potential.

During the GES summit, Microsoft also introduced the first batch of 50 women entrepreneurs that will go through the Cloud Startup Academy. Cloud Startup Academy is an initiative of Microsoft and AFEM. It is the first of its kind in Morocco. Its mission is to help young women launch innovative startups using the latest Cloud technology.

“We believe that cloud computing has the greatest potential to transform competitiveness amongst SMEs and start-ups, delivering greater access to IT, slashing costs and enabling more agile, innovative business models. We look forward to seeing the business models that come out of the Academy,” Samir said.