Microsoft has announced that it plans to open an office in Zambia in the near future. Microsoft Corporate VP and President for Middle East & Africa (MEA), Ali Faramawy, said that the tech giant would significantly help reduce the cost of computer software if it had an office in Zambia.
Currently Mirosoft software clients in Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and other Southern Africa countries rely on supplies from South Africa and Kenya where Microsoft has offices. The VP also added that Microsoft was considering setting up an ICT lab at the University of Zambia Great East Road Campus to enable students to easily access and research information.
Mr Faramawy who is an Egyptian added:
“Africa has many investment opportunities and ICT is one area some countries should invest in to help increase development growth because most countries still lag behind in this area.”
The country’s Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training David Mabumba has called on Microsoft to help address some ICT challenges at University of Zambia (UNZA).
Microsoft’s “Africa Pack” Is Such An Insult To The Continent
Commenting on the same, Microsoft Corporation general manager for Eastern and Southern Africa Louis Otieno called on the country to put more stringent measures to curb software piracy. Louis also lauded the country’s effort in positioning itself as a major economic hub to attract international investors.
Microsoft is struggling to expand down south as it look for more opportunities while its former major hubs are witnessing a shift with mobile being a major computing platform and piracy also pushing from a different angle. Microsoft’s products are generally considered expensive even in countries like Kenya where Microsoft has a huge presence.
Software piracy is at 75 – 80% level in Kenya.
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