ADVERTISEMENT

Microsoft Nigeria Becomes Stand-Alone Subsidiary After $509.9Bn Growth

Microsoft has promoted it's Nigerian branch as a result of the company's impressive financial growth.

Microsoft has announced the elevation of Microsoft Nigeria to a stand-alone subsidiary in recognition of the maturity of the market and the immense opportunities the Country offers.

According to a statement, these opportunities include fast economic growth, the largest GDP in Africa, a new generation of entrepreneurs and a business-friendly government that is rapidly expanding ICT infrastructure development.

Commenting on the decision, Kabelo Makwane, Managing Director for Microsoft Nigeria said, "Nigeria is one of the company's most important markets in Africa, hence the elevation of Microsoft Nigeria to a single-country subsidiary was inevitable.  The Company is set to double its efforts in skills development, innovation support and access provision for people across Africa and Nigeria in particular, growing the business and thus to creating more economic opportunities."

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) the Nigerian economy grew by 89 percent to N80.3 trillion ($509.9bn) in 2014, making it the world's 26th largest economy. These stats highlight that Nigeria is a land of opportunity for business of all sizes, especially SMEs that form 90 percent of the businesses in the country.

ADVERTISEMENT

The company plans to drive down cost of data for SMEs that often don't have the capital for IT infrastructure investment and rapidly expand its cloud offerings. This is in line with Microsoft's rapid transition to a devices and services company to deliver seamless, cloud-based experiences across hardware, software and services.

"The renewed emphasis by the Nigerian government on the ICT sector holds considerable promise for what technology can bring to consumers and businesses. It is the perfect opportunity for the company to use the technology, talent, time and money to help create sustainable growth in the country and across Africa," said Makwane.

Microsoft has been operating in Africa for 22 years and in Nigeria for 14 and has a current local partner ecosystem of 1,750 members across the country. In addition, through its partner ecosystem in Nigeria, Microsoft has created 45 000 jobs, supported 300 start-ups, reached three million students through the Partners in Learning programme and seen 65 000 downloads of free Dream Spark developer tools.

"In the 22 years that Microsoft has been operating in Africa, the company has been helping to improve people's lives by enabling them to realise their potential through technology. ICT holds great transformational opportunity for Nigeria. Innovation will help the country leap from the industrial revolution into the information era," concluded Makwane.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT