Microsoft has announced that it is expanding its commitment to research in Africa and, to help drive that commitment, is launching a new organization, Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI) in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to the company, MARI will focus on foundational research to improve productivity in three areas: work, health, and society. As an integral part of the Office of Applied Research (OAR), it will integrate exploratory research with product development by bringing together researchers, engineers, designers, local academic institutions and the community to build talent and encourage a two-way flow of ideas.
In a statement, Managing Director, Microsoft Africa Development Centre in Kenya, Jack Ngare wrote “We are seeing some really fantastic momentum in our work at the ADC, and this new research institute will help us partner to solve local and global challenges. We are very focused on how innovative cloud technology is driving the future development of the continent, and the work this team is seeking to do align closely with our overall goals for the ADC.”
The new entity will be will be headed by Jacki O'Neill and will be co-located in Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC), Kenya which was launched in May 2019.
Microsoft’s recent investments on the continent include the Africa Development center, Data-centers, Policy innovation center and evolved Equity Equivalent Investment Programme. The ADC supports Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. It is the first Global Development Centre in Africa.
Photo courtesy / Google
Article by Jedidah Mwangi
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