Kunle Awosika has been named Managing Director of Microsoft’s Africa Transformation Office (ATO). Kunle succeeds Wael Elkabbany, who has been promoted to Microsoft’s Africa Regional Cluster.
Kunle was one of three pioneer team members when Microsoft opened its Nigeria office, and he has held a variety of positions within the company, including Director of Enterprise Business, Country Manager: Microsoft Kenya, and Director: Small and Medium Corporates, Emerging Markets. In these capacities, he has had the opportunity to introduce transformational technology opportunities to a diverse range of organizations in both the public and private sectors, enabling them to realize significant value. He has also worked in multiple countries across the continent for over 22 years.
“I am enthralled by Africa’s incredible potential to become a truly connected continent that exports digital goods and services to the rest of the world.” “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on this growth and contribute to the continent’s full digital potential,” says Awosika.
“With his multifaceted experience of the continent and deep understanding of transformative technology, Kunle Awosika is ideally placed to lead Microsoft’s transformation plans for the African continent’s strategy, investments, and initiatives,” Wael Elkabbany adds.
The ATO, which will be launched in 2021, will focus on enabling growth and fueling investment in four critical development areas: digital infrastructure, skilling, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and startups. Recognizing that these lofty objectives cannot be met alone, strategic collaborations with governments, international organizations, multinational corporations, and African enterprises will accelerate investments in Africa and increase the continent’s digital services export.
Since its inception, the ATO has led initiatives and strategic partnerships throughout Africa to build digital infrastructure, equip small and medium-sized businesses with digital capabilities, support innovative startups, and train the current and future workforce.
“I am excited to play a role in unlocking Africa’s potential as the ATO develops and leads strategic partnerships with governments, international organizations, and partners to accelerate digital transformation agendas and fuel a knowledge-based economy,” Awosika says.
