This was revealed during a Microsoft Community Affairs Grantee round table event, which was attended by representatives of the non-governmental organisations and other charitable institutions that the company has chosen to partner with, plus members of the media. 
 
Speaking at the event, Microsoft SA MD, Pfungwa Serima, says that Microsoft as a global entity is committed to providing training and tools to partner organisations so as to create social and economic opportunities that can transform communities by helping people realise their potential.

With this in mind, Microsofts global community investment efforts are focused on increasing digital inclusion and bringing the benefits of technology and technology skills to 250m under-served people worldwide by 2010, he adds.
 
Serima adds that the decision to form partnerships with non-governmental and community-based organisations is a vital component in Microsoft Corporate Affairs ability to deliver successfully on this ambition. Rather than taking an egotistical approach, Microsoft has opted to leverage the local knowledge and expertise of these organisations to identify projects that can gain the most advantage from the companys investment activities.

In particular, Microsoft SA endorses Microsoft Unlimited Potential (UP) a global community-based learning programme focused on extending IT skills and economic opportunities that enable young people and adults to realise their personal potential. 

According to Serima, Microsoft SA has approved grants to the value of $219 842 for implementation in 2007. This represents a 46% increase on the 2006 budget, and is expected to contribute substantially to the companys goals and, in turn, support the Microsoft Middle East Africa (MEA) target of reaching 15m people by 2010. A few projects have been identified that have the potential, individually and collectively, to realise Microsoft SAs corporate investment ambitions.