This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
Kenya's slow technology uptake is making its companies less competitive, Microsoft general manager for Middle East and Africa Ibrahim Youssry has warned.
Speaking to the Business Daily during his recent visit to Nairobi, Youssry said that disruptive technologies and trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR) and robotics are the main drivers of growth and competitiveness in the modern corporate world.
However, Youssry noted that Kenyan companies appear slow to adopt the latest technology, a development which may hurt their competitiveness in the region and beyond.
"If these companies are not using it and others are using it, competitiveness will be impacted," Youssry said.
He attributed the slow adoption of technology to various challenges, including bureaucracy, priorities, and lack of return on investment.
"We want to ensure that we provide and make technology available to everyone, and help them make informed decisions," Youssry said.
He emphasized the importance of clarity in policy to speed up the uptake of technology, adding that taxing innovation is a bad idea.
"The government should be aware that this is a new era, and all countries globally are using the latest technology," Youssry said.
He also highlighted the need for the government to provide a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
"We are looking to develop our partnership with the government and private entities," Youssry said.
He noted that Microsoft has a lot of resources in Kenya, covering the whole of Africa and even the Middle East.
"We have a lot of resources here in Kenya, covering the whole of Africa and even Middle East," Youssry said.
He emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving innovation and growth.
"Partners are a key component and one of the priorities we have is to upscale the partnership ecosystem," Youssry said.
He also highlighted the importance of education in driving innovation and growth.
"The quality of education is one of the best in Africa," Youssry said.
He noted that Nairobi was chosen as the hub for Microsoft's innovation center due to its skills, political and economic stability, and growing economy.
"It's a very welcoming country, it's politically and economically stable, and it's growing," Youssry said.
