Thebe Magugu & Microsoft Call on South Africa’s Boldest Entrepreneurs to Step into Their Next in “Mission Next” Campaign
Microsoft South Africa has introduced its Mission Next Equity Equivalent & Investment Programme (EEIP), with a high-impact national campaign inviting South Africa’s most ambitious, future-ready entrepreneurs to ‘own their next’.
Designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential Black-owned SMMEs, Mission Next is Microsoft’s commitment to equipping local businesses with the tools, skills and global-tier technology needed to scale. The programme specifically targets established enterprises earning R1 million or more in annual revenue and ready for rapid expansion.
“Entrepreneurship is tough, but it’s been with the mentorship and guidance of those who came before which has enabled me to grow. I am excited to be partnering with Microsoft on their Mission Next EEIP; an entrepreneurship programme designed to actually grow businesses,” said Thebe Magugu. “For business owners building something, dreaming bigger, or ready to take that next step, this is the next step.”
Thebe Magugu | SUPPLIED
The Mission Next movement is brought to life through a series of digital founder films featuring South Africans who have already taken this leap – including acclaimed South African designer Thebe Magugu and previous programme beneficiaries, The Awareness Company.
“Enabling the next generation of high-impact businesses is not just good business, it is a national imperative,” says Lebogang Luvuno, B-BBEE Executive at Microsoft South Africa. “Empowered SMMEs don’t just grow; they drive economic transformation across the entire value chain and Microsoft is committed to providing the tools, support and resources to get businesses there.”
Speaking on the programme’s impact, Priaash Ramadeen, co-founder of The Awareness Company, said: “Being part of Microsoft’s EEIP programme has been a game-changer for our business. The combination of funding, technology access and mentorship created real momentum, helping us strengthen our foundation, accelerate our growth and think bigger. The programme doesn’t just fund innovation. It enables meaningful scale, gives space to experiment, unlocks access to a powerful network and equips founders to build tech that can truly change lives.”
The programme offers a suite of targeted initiatives designed to turn ambition into global competitiveness. This includes hands-on, structured support for established firms, skills development, certification and training, enablement of township digital ecosystems and direct support for innovators and market disruptors with a bold vision.
The future belongs to those who move from ambition to action and entrepreneurs who are ready to scale are encouraged to apply before 30 March 2026
Get the business support you need and apply to the Mission Next EEIP today: Microsoft EEIP: Investing in SA’s Digital Future