Kunle Awosika: The Meteoric Rise of Microsoft Africa’s New Managing Director

Kunle Awosika has attained significant milestones in his career in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. The most recent is his appointment as the managing director of Microsoft’s Africa Transformation Office (ATO).

Awosika’s experience in the tech space spans 22 years, and his predecessor, Wael Elkabbany, confirmed that his impact on Africa’s tech ecosystem over the years makes him the perfect successor.

“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,” he said.

Before joining Microsoft, the MBA holder in Marketing served as the head of sales/marketing at Solix Technologies Incorporation and as a sales officer at ExxonMobil. These two experiences.

Kunle Awosika’s experience in Microsoft

The father of three started his journey at Microsoft as one of the three members that started the Nigeria office in 2000. At this level, he handled roles such as building account plans, driving sales, developing market opportunities, and acting as the general manager.

While in these roles, he exposed the private and public sectors to different transformational technology possibilities.

Three years later, he was transferred to Kenya to head the telecommunication area of Microsoft across West, East, and central Africa. He acted in the role until June 2006, when he was made the Enterprise Lead for East and Southern Africa.

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Here, he drove sales for the company’s new product in 14 African countries, including Angola and Mozambique.

In the second half of 2009, he returned to Nigeria and assumed the role of director of Enterprise Business and PS Business for Anglo Africa. In 2013, he was appointed as the Country General Manager for Kenya.

While in the role, he oversaw the organisation, planning and execution of the global launch of Windows 10, together with Microsoft Global CEO Satya Nadella, in Nairobi, Kenya. This marked the first time Microsoft launched a product in Africa.

In 2018, he was made the director of Small Medium & Corporates in emerging markets in MEA Multi-Country Cluster- North, West, East, Southern Africa, Levant & Pakistan. This journey led him to his new role as the ATO managing director.

Commenting on his appointment, he 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.”

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