Microsoft initiates 20-year Plan for Africa

Software giant, Microsoft, says it is initiating a 20-year strategic plan that will improve competitiveness in Africa and accelerate economic growth and development.

The General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Kabelo Makwane, who disclosed this at the second edition of ‘Agenda for Nigeria Innovation Forum 2014’, held in Calabar, Cross River State, said it was part of the organisation’s new business strategy.

He said the initiative would be built on three pillars: 21st century world-class skills, providing affordable access and fostering local innovation.

This came just as Governor Liyel Imoke described Information Technology as a panacea for efficient service delivery, which if adopted, would boost available services provided in the country.

However, Makwane said Microsoft believed that technological innovation coupled with strong partnerships, both public and private, as well as collaboration from all sectors of society, were essential requisites for Nigeria to realise its full potential.

He said, “As part of our new business strategy, we are looking to shape our next 20 years on the continent through the ‘Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative’, which we launched one year ago, signalling an increased focus on improving African competitiveness and accelerating economic growth and development on the Continent.

“The initiative has three pillars: 21st century world-class skills, providing affordable access and fostering local innovation.

“Technology innovation coupled with strong partnerships, both public and private, as well as collaboration from all sectors of society, are essential requisites for Nigeria to realise its full potential. We believe that by helping people reach their full potential, our business will naturally benefit their economic prosperity.”

He said that Microsoft had invested heavily in its effort to improve on the local economy through job creation, support for the youths in Nigeria, software donations to non-governmental organisations and the development of local innovation.

In his address, Imoke said innovation, which is synonymous with creativity and adaptation, would not only improve the well-being of the people but present tremendous opportunities for economic development at all levels.

“As a state, we are setting the right policies and right programmes to be able to take advantage of this initiative coupled with the right groups to provide the much needed efficient service delivery to the citizenry,” Imoke said.

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