By Emeka Aginam

From a small group of 10 people  at inception to much bigger group of  80 professionals currently growing the Nigerian Information Technology space , Microsoft, no doubt, has registered its foot prints in the market while building capacity to impact the Nigerian market.

The impact of Microsoft in the Nigerian economy is e evidenced in the areas of employment, support for start-ups, education, building local innovation relevant to the market, among others.

To buttress this point, the Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Middle East & Africa, Microsoft Corporation, Mr. Ali Faramawy  noted that the opening of the new digital office reflected Microsoft’s commitment to grow the ecosystem through innovative solutions.

He also said that the digital office showed Microsoft aspirations to play a strong role in the economic development of the Nigerian market.

Telling their success stories , the Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria Kabelo Makwane told the gathering that “the new office opening presents us the opportunity to invest and enable us localize our capability to impact the Nigerian market and forge strategic partnerships such as the one with MainOne, which is an extension of our offerings.”

According to him, “Microsoft is excited to partner with the government in the areas of innovation on a global scale, creation of employment through capacity building and skills acquisition program for young talented individuals.”

“Our vision is to localise and bring showcase stuff in Nigeria. We will continue to innovate to grow the Nigerian market. Through cloud and related services, we have impacted the market”, he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Communication Barrister Adebayo Shittu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Technology, Arc. Sonny Echono, said that, “It is good to know that Microsoft is committed to increasing capacity in the ICT industry in Nigeria, and this is capable of deepening participation and widening the scope of technology in Nigeria, which also present opportunities for potential investors.”

Echono said that government will continue to create enabling environment for players like Microsoft to thrive.