Africa: Microsoft appoints Nigeria’s Kunle Awosika as Managing Director of its Africa Transformation Office

Kunle 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.

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.

Commenting on his appointment, Kunle 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 Kunle.

Kunle succeeds Wael Elkabbany, who served as the head of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO) for nine months before being appointed as the firm’s head of Africa Regional Cluster. In his welcome speech, Elkabbany noted that Kunle’s rich experience and zeal for Africa’s growth suit him well for the office he is taking.

“With his multifaceted experience of the continent and deep understanding of transformative technology, Kunle Awosika is ideally placed to lead the strategy, investments and initiatives of Microsoft’s transformation plans for the Africa continent,” said Elkabbany.

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.