Kunle Awosika.

Microsoft has announced that company veteran Kunle Awosika will take charge of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO) as Managing Director as Wael Elkabbany steps into a new role heading up the Africa Regional Cluster.

The ATO was launched in 2021 to enable growth and fuel investment in digital infrastructure, skilling, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups.

According to Microsoft, since its inception, the ATO has spearheaded initiatives and strategic partnerships across Africa to build digital infrastructure, enable SMEs with digital capabilities, support innovative start-ups and skill the current and future workforce.

Microsoft released a statement in which it described Awosika as an Africa expert with over 22 years’ experience working in multiple countries across the continent.

The company added: “He was one of the three pioneer team members when Microsoft opened its Nigeria office, and has played various roles in the company, including Director of Enterprise Business, Country Manager: Microsoft Kenya and Director: Small and Medium Corporates, Emerging Markets. In these roles, he has had the opportunity to introduce transformational technology opportunities to a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sectors, enabling them to unlock significant value.”

Awosika said, “I am passionate about the incredible potential Africa has 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.”

“I look forward to playing a role in unlocking Africa’s potential as the ATO develops and steers strategic partnerships with governments, international organisations and partners to accelerate digital transformation agendas and fuel a knowledge-based economy.”

Elkabbany added, “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 African continent.”