New Microsoft boss appointed

Amrote Adbella has been appointed new regional director for Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative effective October 2015.

The new director replaces Fernando de Sousa Previously the director of Startup Engagement and Partnerships at 4Afrika. Ms Amrote will oversee Microsoft’s investments in Africa, handle Microsoft’s engagements on the continent and scale 4Afrika’s work across different markets.

Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative has so far empowered about 273,000 small to medium-size enterprises, 76,000 youth, 20,000 government employees, and nine innovation hubs with access to technology, resources and world-class skills development.

Ms. Amrote has been appointed owing to her deep understanding of the initiative since its launch in 2013. “Her wealth of firsthand, on-the-ground experience with startups, investors, government bodies and nonprofit organizations has given her insight into the exact challenges and opportunities we’re focusing on through 4Afrika. We are confident in her ability to move the initiative forward and refocus our efforts.” Said Ali Faramawy, corporate vice president for Microsoft Middle East & Africa.

Before joining Microsoft, Abdella worked for, among others, the World Economic Forum, the World Bank Group, the Hunger Project and the Grameen Foundation. In her experience she has focused on financial services, policy guidance and economic development for Africa.

Abdella holds a B.A. in political science from Davidson College in North Carolina, and an M.A. in international economics development from Brandeis University in Massachusetts.

 

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