Microsoft has announced the appointment of a new regional director for its 4Afrika initiative, with Amrote Abdella taking on responsibility for Microsoft’s investments in Africa.
Previously the director of startup engagement and partnerships at 4Afrika, Abdella takes over from Fernando de Sousa, effective as of this month.
In her new role, Abdella will oversee Microsoft’s investments in Africa, deepen Microsoft’s engagements on the continent and scale 4Afrika’s work across different markets.
“At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to do more,” Abdella said.
“The 4Afrika Initiative is perfectly aligned to accelerate this for the African continent through locally relevant innovation, affordable access and skills development,” she said.
“Creativity is what I love most about working in Africa and is what I hope to continue to help unlock and ignite across the continent — to see Africans not just being empowered by technology but also building innovative solutions relevant for our markets.”
Launched in February 2013, Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative has launched a number of projects aimed at empowering small to medium-size enterprises, youth, and government employees; and also supports innovation hubs across the continent with access to technology, resources and skills development.
Recently, Disrupt Africa reported 4Afrika partnered with ALNVentures to to support entrepreneurs and startups, delivering the value of Microsoft’s BizSpark, Microsoft Virtual Academy and Biz4Afrika initiatives to ALNVentures’ portfolio companies.
Last month, a partnership between 4Afrika and AMPION was announced, with Microsoft 4Afrika providing financial, technical and mentorship support to more than 200 entrepreneurs from across Africa participating in the venture bus programmes.
