As the recently appointed President of Microsoft Africa, Lillian Barnard is at the helm of a thrilling journey, driving the company’s mission to empower every person and organization on the continent to achieve more. With a remarkable 30-year career in the digital sector, Barnard brings a wealth of experience in building high-performance teams and delivering innovative digital solutions that have transformed businesses and communities.
Under her visionary leadership, Microsoft Africa is focused on accelerating the continent’s trajectory towards a secure, inclusive, and AI-enabled future. Barnard’s vision aligns perfectly with Microsoft’s global mission, and she is committed to harnessing the power of AI to fuel Africa’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth by 2030.
As Africa continues to experience rapid growth and transformation, technology plays a vital role in driving economic development, improving lives, and unlocking the continent’s vast potential. Microsoft Africa, under Barnard’s leadership, is poised to play a pivotal role in this journey, leveraging the company’s expertise, innovation, and partnerships to empower African businesses, governments, and individuals to achieve more.
How does your appointment as President of Microsoft Africa align with the company’s overall strategy for the continent?
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organisation worldwide to achieve more. This move signals our commitment to driving scale, innovation, and focused execution, ultimately enabling Africans to fully participate in the digital economy. Our vision for 2030 is to fuel Africa’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth by harnessing the power of AI. As President of Microsoft Africa, I lead and inspire our team to bring this mission to life across the continent. And the journey has been an exciting one, marked by the creation of a unified African business region under my leadership.
What role do you believe technology can play in driving economic growth and development in Africa?
We believe technology plays a vital role in driving economic growth and development. By investing in digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI), we empower businesses of all sizes to boost their capabilities, access new markets, and create jobs. Moreover, technology enables individuals and businesses to innovate, unlocking new opportunities and fueling economic growth.
How has your experience leading Microsoft South Africa prepared you for your new role as President of Microsoft Africa?
My tenure leading Microsoft South Africa provided me with valuable experience and insights into how technology can transform organizations and individuals, and I took away six key lessons: a deep understanding of the market, successful digital transformation initiatives, the importance of strategic partnerships, inclusivity and skills development, a global perspective, and advocacy for gender equality, which will continue to shape my role as President of Microsoft Africa.
What are some of the biggest opportunities you see in the African market, and how will Microsoft address them?
Africa still lags behind other regions in terms of digital infrastructure coverage, access, and quality. Despite 84% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population having 3G access, only 22% use mobile internet services. Similarly, 61% live within the broadband range but don’t utilize it. The high cost of mobile data, averaging 10.5% of monthly per-capita Gross National Income (GNI) in 2019, further exacerbates the issue.
Moreover, Africa faces significant challenges in developing digital skills and establishing supportive regulatory environments. The Digital Skills Gap Index scores for African countries range from 1.8 to 5, far below the global average of 6. This shortfall severely impacts AI readiness. In South Africa, for instance, over half of local businesses feel unprepared to implement AI, citing inadequate internal skills as the primary obstacle.
To address these challenges, countries must develop essential skills, resources, and infrastructure for AI adoption. Microsoft is committed to investing in strategic partnerships and initiatives that tackle these key areas, driving digital transformation and AI readiness across Africa.
How do you plan to foster partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, governments, and organizations to drive digital transformation in Africa?
Over the last 30 years, we have forged partnerships with governments, organisations, local businesses and educational institutions across the continent. This commitment to working collaboratively and leveraging the expertise, insights and in-region capabilities provided by each of these stakeholders means we can do more to drive digital transformation in Africa.
What measures is Microsoft taking to address cybersecurity concerns in Africa, particularly in light of the growing threat of cyberattacks?
The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasingly sophisticated threats. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial ally in this fight, analyzing vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a security breach.
As digital threats escalate in complexity and scale, reactive measures are no longer sufficient. We must proactively design, build, test, and operate technology with security in mind. To address this challenge, we’ve launched The Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multi-year effort to safeguard our digital ecosystem and advance cybersecurity standards.
How does Microsoft plan to support the development of digital skills in Africa, particularly among young people and entrepreneurs?
Over the past five years, Microsoft has upskilled millions of African youth through various training programs. To nurture the next generation of innovators, we’re investing in digital skills and AI literacy through our AI Skills Initiative. This program offers free courses, empowering workers to harness AI and drive Africa’s digital growth.
In Nigeria, our partnerships have yielded significant results: we’re upskilling 5 million people and creating 27,000 digital jobs with the government. Our Global Skills Initiative has also seen 322,000 engaged learners and 300,000 Microsoft certifications in Nigeria.
What opportunities do you see for cloud computing in Africa, and how will Microsoft’s cloud offerings support the growth of businesses on the continent?
Transformative technologies like Cloud and AI can address Africa’s pressing challenges while driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth. In sub-Saharan Africa, organisations are adopting cloud solutions to boost productivity and growth, with 67% deploying technologies like cloud and AI, and 75% automating processes and systems.
By leveraging Microsoft Cloud and AI, organisations can create innovative breakthroughs and accelerate digital transformation in industries that drive job creation and economic growth. Additionally, cloud computing is revolutionising public service, enabling governments to scale, adapt, and innovate in unprecedented ways.
How will Microsoft support the growth and development of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa?
We’re committed to empowering African SMEs to scale by providing essential resources. Currently, we support nearly 900 startups on our Founders Hub platform, offering Azure credits, developer tools, mentorship, and technical support.
Through partnerships with accelerators like Seedstars and Grindstone, we’ve delivered knowledge and mentorship sessions to over 250 African startups. Our goal is to accelerate the growth of African startups and fast-track investment by 2028.
To achieve this, Microsoft has established strategic partnerships with venture capital investors, facilitating access to up to $500 million in potential funding for African startups. Key partners include Banque Misr, Global Venture Capital, and Get Funded Africa.
Furthermore, we’ve partnered with the African Development Bank to support youth entrepreneurs under the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks (YEIB) Initiative. This collaboration aims to create millions of jobs by 2025 by providing scaled support for youth entrepreneurs in areas like skilling, connectivity, and SME digitization.
What initiatives is Microsoft supporting to promote women in technology and address the gender gap in the industry?
Empowering women in tech is crucial for Africa’s economic growth, equality, and innovation. Our goal is to create a culture that attracts and supports women in tech careers, providing them with equal access to job opportunities and enabling them to build and scale tech-enabled businesses.
To achieve this, we’re focusing on digital skilling programs, equipping girls and women with essential digital, deep tech, and soft skills. We’re committed to bridging the gender gap, ensuring that at least 50% of our program beneficiaries are young women, particularly those from underserved communities.
How does the ATO support Microsoft’s digital transformation efforts in Africa, and what are its key priorities?
Through the Africa Transformation Office (ATO), Microsoft is driving digital transformation in four key areas: digital infrastructure, skilling, SMEs, and startups. We’re fostering strategic partnerships to fuel investment in Africa and promote the continent’s digital services exports.
Our goal is to empower 10,000 African startups to accelerate growth and attract investment over the next five years. By establishing industry alliances and partnerships with venture capital investors, we’re facilitating access to funding for startups, focusing on FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, and EduTech.
The Microsoft Founders Hub, launched in Africa in 2021, provides startups with access to resources like Azure, GitHub, and Microsoft 365, as well as go-to-market and business support. We’re currently supporting 1,000 African startups, offering Azure credits, dev tools, mentorship, and technical support. Additionally, we’ve provided knowledge and mentorship sessions to 250 startups through partnerships with accelerators, and are supporting over 40 startups in scaling their businesses.
How does Microsoft differentiate itself from its competitors in the African market, particularly in terms of its products and services?
Microsoft’s unique value proposition in Africa lies in its comprehensive technology stack, local presence, and extensive partner ecosystem. Our partner-led approach enables us to deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of African businesses, driving economic growth and development.
We’re proud of our diverse partner network, comprising multinational corporations and local SMEs. Microsoft’s significant investments in AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives position us as a leader in these areas.
Initiatives like the Africa Transformation Office, Airband International Programme, and local skilling programs demonstrate our commitment to bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusivity, and driving economic growth in Africa. By focusing on local infrastructure development, partnerships, and capacity building, we’re enhancing our competitive position while making a positive impact on the continent.
How will Microsoft support the development of local content and solutions in Africa, particularly in areas such as fintech, health tech, and edtech?
Microsoft Azure is empowering customers to build transformative AI applications, driving innovation across industries. In healthcare, AI-powered diagnostic solutions are being deployed in Rwanda and Ghana to enhance medical imaging analysis, facilitating early disease detection, such as breast cancer and tuberculosis.
Amref Health Africa, a leading health development nonprofit, has centralized its operations using Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power BI, and Cloud for nonprofits. This transition has automated processes, strengthened donor relationships, and increased capacity for critical health work.
Additionally, companies like Zipline are leveraging AI to optimize drone delivery routes for medical supplies and vaccines, expanding access to essential medications in remote areas. These AI applications have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, leading to earlier diagnosis, improved patient outcomes, and strengthened healthcare systems.
How does Microsoft engage with governments and regulatory bodies in Africa to support the development of policies and regulations that promote digital transformation?
As AI becomes increasingly accessible to African innovators, we anticipate rapid progress across various fields. However, to fully democratize AI, Africa must address two key challenges: expanding internet connectivity and enhancing digital literacy. Microsoft has focused on these areas over the past 30 years, investing in the continent’s digital infrastructure.
Beyond infrastructure, we recognize the need for effective governance and regulation of AI. Many African organizations view safety and regulatory requirements as significant barriers to adoption. To accelerate AI growth, leaders must collaborate to advance governance.
Through multidisciplinary teams and partnerships with governments and policymakers, we’re working to develop tailored policy interventions for cloud and AI technologies. This collaborative approach ensures our solutions are effective, contextually relevant, and aligned with local needs and policy landscapes.
What initiatives is Microsoft supporting to promote environmental sustainability in Africa?
Microsoft is committed to supporting Africa’s transition to a more environmentally and economically secure region. Our solutions and partnerships aim to improve climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Data plays a crucial role in addressing climate change. However, Africa faces a significant climate data divide, with only one data scientist for every 14 in the Global North. To bridge this gap, we’re expanding our AI for Good Lab to Africa, hiring local data scientists, and forming new partnerships to accelerate climate action.
Our AI For Good initiative provides funding, technology, and expertise to tackle regional challenges, such as water access and food security. For instance, our AI4Earth grantee, Upepo Technology, uses IoT devices to monitor water infrastructure in Kenya, helping decision-makers predict consumption trends and improve water supply.
What philanthropic initiatives is Microsoft supporting in Africa, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development?
Microsoft’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident in its extensive efforts to empower nonprofits, advance healthcare, and foster economic development.
The company’s NGO transformation program is specifically designed to provide not-for-profit organizations with access to cloud services for free or at greatly reduced prices. This program offers grants and discounts across various Microsoft cloud products, including Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365. As a result, nonprofits can benefit from free technology grants and custom-built solutions tailored to their needs.
In the healthcare sector, Microsoft’s AI for Health initiative is leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle societal-scale challenges. This program provides funding and technical support to teams working on AI-driven solutions for healthcare challenges, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and save lives.
Microsoft is also dedicated to fostering economic development through digital skills development. Over the past year, the company has upskilled more than 83,000 learners and 1,900 educators through various programs. By bridging the digital divide and increasing the uptake of digital tools, Microsoft is driving inclusive growth and promoting economic development.
Through these initiatives, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to using technology to drive positive change and improve the lives of people around the world.
What is your vision for Microsoft’s future in Africa, and how do you see the company contributing to the continent’s economic growth and development?
Microsoft’s enduring mission is to empower every person and organization to achieve more. In Africa, this mission translates to being a trusted partner for cloud and AI transformation, accelerating the continent’s trajectory towards a secure, inclusive, and AI-enabled future.
To achieve this vision, Microsoft integrates AI and Microsoft Copilot into every Microsoft Cloud solution, enabling customers to radically accelerate employee productivity and capability. The company also provides the tools and services needed for customers to build transformational AI apps and solutions with Azure.
Microsoft’s priorities in Africa are multifaceted. The company is committed to developing digital infrastructure, enhancing digital skilling for employability and job creation, and supporting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and start-ups. Strategic partnerships with governments, institutions, and enterprises are also crucial in driving growth and digital transformation.
By actively contributing to growth, digital transformation, and innovation, Microsoft aims to unlock new possibilities, strengthen its partner ecosystem, and drive sustainable growth. As the world increasingly relies on digital technologies, Africa has the potential to lead the journey into the digital era.
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