Black-owned software companies invited to accelerate growth with AWS cloud expertise

Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced its call for applications to its Equity Equivalent Investment Program (EEIP) in South Africa. This initiative, targeting cloud-native 100% Black-owned software companies, represents the culmination of AWS' seven-year R365 million commitment to fostering digital innovation and economic transformation in the country. Launched in 2019, AWS’ EEIP committed to recruit and develop 47 SMEs into sustainable AWS partners. In the five years since its launch, 21 SMEs have graduated, with 10 achieving Advanced AWS Partner Network (APN) tier status and 11 reaching Select APN tier.

Through AWS’ deep investment in the development and growth of its EEIP partners, these SMEs have continued to achieve significant milestones, including the development of AWS Cloud Skills with nearly 500 AWS Partner certifications and over 1 000 AWS Accreditations earned by employees across the AWS EEIP partners today. Several AWS EEIP partners have achieved designations including the AWS Well-Architected Partner Program, AWS Distribution Reseller Partner, and AWS Service Catalog, validating their expertise in implementing AWS best practices and proficiency in managing and deploying AWS resources for commercial and public sector customers. 

Business journals argue that more than 70% of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa will fail within the first five to seven years[1]. This is primarily due to the lack of access to business funding, marketing and distribution channels, business facilities and incubation, as well as inadequate training and skills development for SMMEs. AWS’ EEIP is structured principally to address some, if not all the identified challenges faced by Black-owned cloud techpreneurs, by offering operational funding, technical training, business development resources, and direct access to AWS' vast partner network. Enabling the EEIP partners to take advantage of AWS’ APN’s ecosystem allows them to become providers of innovative solutions to their own customers across different segments in and outside of South Africa.

AWS measures the success of EEIP partners across various dimensions, including skills development, revenue growth and market expansion. Through focused training and certification efforts, partners have acquired crucial skills in the digital economy. Participating businesses have seen increases in revenue and profitability, while also expanding their market reach to compete on a global scale. These metrics highlight the programme's effectiveness in empowering partners to leverage AWS technologies for business growth and innovation.

AWS’ EEIP extends beyond immediate business growth by incorporating the country’s private sector-led youth employment initiative, the Youth Employment Service (YES). Since 2021, AWS has sponsored the placement of over 100 unemployed youth through YES in tech roles with its EEIP partners. At least 80% of the youth in this programme have been absorbed into permanent technical roles, which include Solutions Architects, Data Analysts, DevOps Engineers, and other cloud-related positions. The programme has significantly enhanced the employability and marketability of these young professionals, equipping them with in-demand skills for the rapidly evolving tech industry. 

Chris Erasmus, Country Manager, AWS South Africa, said: "EEIP and YES have created a robust pipeline for tech talent in South Africa. Our focused approach with carefully selected SMEs allows for intensive, tailored support that truly transforms businesses. We're partnering with entrepreneurs to build innovative companies that can compete globally and drive employment and economic growth. This long-term commitment is nurturing tech leaders who will shape our digital future, while creating sustainable employment and skills development for South African youth."

Final EEIP Cohort Application: 

AWS invites 100% small Black-owned software companies to apply for the last EEIP cohort. Eligible businesses must:

• Be operational for at least 2 years
• Demonstrate ability to deliver value to customers or have a market-ready MVP

Applications for Black-owned software companies interested in accelerating their growth with AWS will be accepted from 13 November to 04 December 2024.