By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Kunle Awosika has ended a
25-year career at Microsoft, closing a chapter that saw him contribute to
digital transformation initiatives across Africa while working with
governments, entrepreneurs and technology communities.
Awosika announced his
departure after handing back his Microsoft badge, marking the end of a career
he said was shaped less by longevity and titles than by the people who mentored
him, worked alongside him and trusted him.
During his time at
Microsoft, Awosika served on the Presidential Digital Talent Programme Advisory
Board and led the company’s Africa Transformation Office, supporting
governments with digital transformation and entrepreneurs developing businesses
across the continent.
He also highlighted
Microsoft’s engagement with Kenya, recalling Satya Nadella’s decision in 2015
to select Kenya for the global launch of Windows 10 and his visit to Nanyuki to
see the Mawingu Broadband Initiative, which was delivering affordable internet
connectivity to rural communities.
For Awosika, the visit
represented more than a product launch and reflected confidence in Africa’s
potential.
His departure from Microsoft
comes as the continent’s technology landscape enters a period of convergence
between artificial intelligence, energy, digital infrastructure and computing
capacity.
Days after leaving the
company, Awosika visited an AI, energy and digital infrastructure park in
Gigiri, Nairobi, where he observed the growing intersection of energy,
computing power, connectivity and artificial intelligence.
He said the experience
reinforced his view that Africa is no longer simply preparing for the digital
future but is actively building it.
Awosika’s next phase will
take him back into the wider African technology ecosystem, with plans to spend
time in Nigeria and Kenya engaging entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers
involved in shaping the continent’s next wave of digital development.
Reflecting on his 25 years
at Microsoft, he described the transition as the end of one era and the
beginning of another, while expressing confidence that Africa’s biggest
technology opportunities are still ahead.
“Africa's greatest
technology story is not yet written,” Awosika said, calling for continued
collaboration to build what comes next.
