Queen Nwabueze
Microsoft’s Nigerian-born executive, Kunle Awosika, has finally been appointed as the Managing Director of its Africa Transformation Office (ATO).
Awosika has held various positions at Microsoft, including being one of the three pioneer team members when Microsoft opened its office in Nigeria.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWith the latest appointment, he succeeds Wael Elkabbany, who served as the head of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO) for nine months.
Awosika is being described as Microsoft’s native because he has held various positions at Microsoft, including being one of the three pioneer team members when Microsoft opened its office in Nigeria, director of Enterprise Business and Country Manager Microsoft Kenya and director of Small and Medium Corporates, Emerging Markets.
In this role, the new MD will leverage his deep understanding of the business environment to grow and propel investment for the company in digital infrastructure, skilling, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and startups.
Commenting on his appointment, Awosika exuded confidence, saying he is devoted to helping Africa to tap into its digital potential. “I am passionate about Africa’s incredible potential to become a truly connected continent that exports digital goods and services to the rest of the world. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meaningfully impact this growth and help unlock the continent’s full digital potential,” says Awosika on his new appointment.
“I look forward to playing a role in unlocking Africa’s potentials as the ATO develops and steers strategic partnership with governments, international organizations, and partners to accelerate digital transformation agendas and fuel a knowledge-based economy,” adds the new MD.
Awosika has a track record of strong people leadership, innovation and sharp business acumen, founded on an in-depth understanding and passion for Africa’s growth in his 22-year-long career working in different countries.
Microsoft established the Africa Transformation Office last year as part of doubling down on its investment in the continent and an effort to continue enabling digital transformation “powered by Africans for Africa.”
According to the global tech giant, there is a pressing need to adopt digital platforms to accelerate Africa’s economic growth. This means investment in network infrastructure and high-speed access solutions, together with an intentional focus on regulatory and commercial reforms, will better enable Africans to participate in the global digital economy.
