Microsoft invests $100m to boost Africa’s tech infrastructure

Microsoft plans to invest $100m in its new Africa Development Centre that aims to accelerate digital transformation, bridge gaps in infrastructure, connectivity and innovation capability on the continent in the next five years. At the unveiling of the new centre located in Lagos on Friday, the company said it would recruit 100 engineering talents in artificial intelligence, machine learning and mixed reality by the end of the year. According to the global tech company, the centre in Kenya and Nigeria, will increase Microsoft presence in Africa and empower partners as they use Microsoft solutions in like FinTech, AgriTech and OffGrid energy. “The ADC will be unlike any other existing investment on the continent. It will help us better listen to our customers, develop locally and scale for global impact,” Executive Sponsor of the ADC and executive vice- president at Microsoft, Phil Spencer. “Beyond that, it’s an opportunity to engage more with local partners, academia, governments and developers – driving impact and innovation in sectors important to Africa.”