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American technology company, Microsoft has hired 50 engineers at its Africa Development Centre (ADC) opened in Nairobi in May this year.
The 50 experts are part of a team of 100 computer science engineers the tech giant targets to hire as it looks to enter into more partnerships with local small and medium-sized enterprises, according to Business Daily.
On Monday, Microsoft said the engineers will work on cutting-edge technology specifically designed for businesses in Africa.
“Hiring is happening and depends on the right skills. We are recruiting the best calibers to develop them and work on our products. There are roughly 50 people who have been hired, and this will be doubling in the next few months,” visiting Microsoft general manager for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Ibrahim Youssry said.
He added: “We are also building a new generation of developers who are gaining multinational expertise and international experience which will be useful to the community and Africa.”
The Nairobi Centre is Microsoft’s first in the continent with plans underway to launch a second one in Lagos, Nigeria before the end of this year.
In May, the company said it will invest Sh10 billion in the two centers in the next five years.
In August, Microsoft poached Equity Bank’s Finserve chief Jack Ngare to be the first managing director of its Nairobi hub
Ngare has vast experience of over 15 years in different fields including management, telecommunications, financial services, and emerging technology.
He previously held various positions at Stanbic Bank, NIC Bank, and British Telecom with duties 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.