Microsoft has named Nigerian-born executive Kunle Awosika as the new Managing Director of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO), a subsidiary responsible for promoting digitalisation projects throughout Africa.
An Impressive Resume
Kunle Awosika is a great choice for this position as he has over 22 years of experience working in several African countries. He has an established record of outstanding leadership, entrepreneurship, and business intelligence, as well as a strong enthusiasm and love for Africa’s development.
Kunle has held various jobs at Microsoft during his career and was one of three pioneer team members when the company founded its Nigerian office. He was formerly the director of Enterprise Business and Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya, as well as the director of Small and Medium Corporates in Emerging Markets.
He is famous for bringing many revolutionary technological opportunities to a diverse variety of companies across the public and private domains. Thus, this new position gives him the right opportunity to significantly utilize his experience in various African markets.
Kunle Awosika will be expected to leverage his extensive knowledge of the global economy to aid Microsoft in establishing and expanding investment in digital infrastructure, skilling, small and medium companies (SMEs), and startups.
Strong Passion For Africa
Kunle takes over from Wael Elkabbany, who led the Africa Transformation Office (ATO) for nine months before being named President of Microsoft’s Africa Regional Cluster.
Elkabbany stated in his welcoming address that Kunle’s diverse expertise, a strong grasp of digital technologies, and passion for Africa’s development qualify him perfectly for his role.
Kunle expressed confidence in his appointment, stating he is committed to supporting Africa in maximizing 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,” Kunle remarks about his new position.
He continued: “I look forward to playing a role in unlocking Africa’s potential as the ATO develops and steers strategic partnerships with governments, international organizations, and partners to accelerate digital transformation agendas and fuel a knowledge-based economy.”
With his experience, confidence, and passion, Kunle Awosika is well positioned to oversee Microsoft’s African transformation strategy, investments, and projects.
A Step to Digitising Africa
Microsoft launched the Africa Transformation Office in 2011 as part of its attempt to continue facilitating digital transformation by Africans for Africa.
The office is committed to promoting economic development and stimulating investment in four critical aspects: digital infrastructure, skilling, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), and start-ups.
Acknowledging that these targets cannot be met alone, proactive collaborations with governments, international organizations, multinational corporations, and African companies will boost investments in Africa, ultimately culminating in an increase in the export of digital services.
From its very inception, the African Transformation Office has led programs and partnerships throughout Africa to create digital infrastructure, equip SMEs with digital skills, assist creative start-ups, and train existing and future workers.
