Microsoft's 4Afrika initiative has announced the next round of startups that will receive funding, technical support and mentorship.

According to a statement the funds will help seven new startups fast-track their growth.

In addition, Microsoft will connect grant winners with relevant partners to enable them to commercialise their solutions, the statement revealed.

The startups expected to receive funding come from different parts of the continent, including Kenya, Uganda, Morocco and Rwanda.

The startups that have been selected are:

Ukall an ICT company that automates business processes, allowing companies and businesses to run more efficiently.

Cojengo (East Africa) creates mobile and cloud solutions that address animal and human health issues.

MobiPay facilitates commerce and trade through mobile devices in the SME, agricultural and remittance sectors.

The other startups include iTaxi.ma, a mobile application that lets users book, track and rate taxis within Morocco,

AfNov is a software development company.

BookNow is a mobile system that allows Kenyans to buy bus tickets online, providing secure mobile money and card payment options and enabling customers to avoid long queues.

MMINDZS from Uganda develops and exploits technology and technology-driven processes for African SMEs and local businesses, has also been selected.

“The world is looking for the next growth pole and Africa is positioned to be exactly that," says Fernando de Sousa, general manager of Africa Initiatives at Microsoft.

"As investors assess industries and sectors to fund, there is a keen interest in exploring the future multinational companies that will come out of Africa. These are the startups and SMEs of today, which we aim to help grow to their full potential through smart financing,” de Sousa stated.

Microsoft’s 4Afrika initiative was launched a year ago and designed to help Africa improve its global competitiveness and facilitate Microsoft’s active engagement in Africa’s economic development.

Earlier this year Microsoft 4Afrika awarded funds to five selected startups.