Microsoft Corporation has appointed Abideen Yusuf as the new General Manager for its operations in Nigeria and Ghana, following the promotion of Olatomiwa Williams to a strategic regional role within the company’s Middle East and Africa Growth Markets.
The leadership announcement was confirmed on Thursday through official LinkedIn statements from both executives.
Yusuf, who previously served as Director of Enterprise Business (Commercial and Public Sector), will now oversee Microsoft’s operations in the newly created Multi Country Cluster (MCC) region, with primary responsibility for the Nigeria and Ghana markets.
He joined Microsoft in 2017 and brings over a decade of enterprise technology experience to his new role.
Yusuf holds a degree in Computer Science from Olabisi Onabanjo University and a master’s degree from Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom.
Commenting on his appointment, Yusuf stated his intention to deepen community engagement, empower future leaders, and advance collaborative digital transformation across the MCC region.
His promotion forms part of a wider regional reorganisation aimed at expanding Microsoft’s AI and growth strategy across key markets.
Olatomiwa Williams, who has led Microsoft Nigeria as Country Manager since 2021, has been elevated to Chief Growth and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the Middle East and Africa Growth Markets.
Williams, who joined Microsoft in 2010, will now be responsible for driving Microsoft’s AI investments and regional growth agenda across emerging markets in the MEA region.
She holds a degree in Computer Science from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
In her outgoing remarks, Williams described her tenure as a transformative period marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to empowering people and organisations across Nigeria and Ghana.
The leadership reshuffle also includes Mirna Arif, who will transition from her role as General Manager of Microsoft Egypt to lead the broader Middle East and Africa Growth Markets portfolio.
Lillian Barnard, previously Head of Microsoft Africa, will assume a new role as Lead for Enterprise Partner Solutions across MEA.
Barnard stated that Microsoft’s ongoing investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are aimed at enabling partners to drive progress in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
The appointments are aligned with Microsoft’s long-term strategy to scale digital transformation, strengthen local ecosystems, and accelerate the adoption of AI across emerging markets.
