Microsoft Announces New MD For Its ATO

Microsoft has named veteran and Africa expert Kunle Awosika as the new Managing Director of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO), its subsidiary charged with driving digital transformation initiatives across the continent.

Kunle succeeds Wael Elkabbany, who has been appointed head of Microsoft’s Africa Regional Cluster.

Kunle has over 22 years of experience working in multiple countries across the continent and has a deep understanding and passion for Africa’s growth. He has held several positions at Microsoft, including director of Enterprise Business and Country Manager Microsoft Kenya, as well as director of Small and Medium Corporates, Emerging Markets. He was also one of three pioneer team members when Microsoft opened its Nigeria office.

He is credited with the introduction of different transformational technology opportunities to a wide range of organizations in both the public and private sectors, enabling them to unlock significant value. He will bring this deep experience in multiple African markets to the new role.

“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,” said Kunle.

While welcoming him to the new role, Elkabbany said: “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.”

Launched in 2021, the ATO is focused on enabling growth and fuelling investment in four essential development areas – digital infrastructure, skilling, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups. Understanding that these ambitious goals cannot be achieved alone, strategic partnerships with governments, international organizations, multinationals, and African enterprises will accelerate investments in Africa and increase the continent’s export of digital services.

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.

“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,” Kunle added.