This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
Microsoft has launched its African Development Centre in Kenya, a pioneering investment on the continent. The centre, launched in May 2019, is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to listening to its customers, developing locally, and scaling for global impact.
At the helm of this innovative centre is Jack Ngare, a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in various business functions. Ngare joins Microsoft from Finserve Africa, where he served as managing director, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in management, telecommunications, financial services, and emerging technology.
Ngare's impressive background includes stints at Stanbic Bank, NIC Bank, and British Telecom, where he spent seven years in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Peru, and Japan. He holds a Master's degree in management from Harvard University, a Master's degree in advanced computer science, and a Bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Leicester.
According to Mike Fortin, corporate vice president at Microsoft, the ADC is a unique investment that allows the company to better listen to its customers and develop solutions for local and global impact. Fortin praises Ngare's leadership skills, saying, 'We've been adding to our team of engineers aggressively, and to have Jack leading this talented group is fantastic.'
Under Ngare's leadership, the ADC engineers are already working with local partners and customers on key issues for Kenya, Africa, and the world. The centre provides Kenyan talent with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, creating solutions for local and global impact, while reinforcing the country's position as a leading digital innovation hub.
Ngare expressed his excitement about joining Microsoft, saying, 'This is such an incredible opportunity, to join an organisation that is truly empowering people globally, and in Africa, to achieve more.'
