the most influential men in digital transformation
Kunle Awosika Managing Director of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO) (Nigeria) Kunle Awosika is a highly experienced professional in the ICT field with over 22 years of international experience. He was appointed as the Managing Director of the Africa Transformation Office (ATO) in September 2022, where he leads Microsoft’s efforts to drive strategic transformation initiatives across Africa. The ATO, which was established in 2021, has been a driving force behind initiatives and partnerships across Africa to build digital infrastructure, support small and medium-sized enterprises with digital capabilities, and promote innovation and skill development among the workforces. ATO, which opened offices In Nigeria and Kenya in 2022, plans to provide local solutions with global scalability as well as offer employment opportunities and further enhance technological in Africa. Awosika has had a long and successful career with Microsoft, holding various leadership positions, including Director of Enterprise Business, Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya, and Director of Small and Medium Corporates for Emerging Markets, where he has helped to bring transformative technology opportunities to organisations in both the public and private sectors. He is a respected leader and role model in the technology industry and has held leadership roles in organisations such as the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP), as well as serving on several boards such as AIESEC International and the I-Chose Life Board (NGO).
Jit Bhattacharya, CEO, BasiGo (Kenya) Jit Bhattacharya is championing for the adoption of green public transportation in Africa. As the founder and CEO of BasiGo, a Kenyan e-mobility start-up, Bhattacharya is leading the charge in the effort to drive mass transit Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in East Africa. BasiGo is shaking up the public transportation industry in East Africa by assembling EV buses in Nairobi, Kenya using parts sourced from China’s EV manufacturer BYD. The company then sells these innovative buses to bus owners, helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region. Last year, BasiGo secured $4.3 million in seed funding to set up an assembly plant in Nairobi and to launch the sales and delivery of its electric buses. This bold move paid off, as in January this year, the company added 15 more electric buses to its fleet of two after successful piloting. With the demand for EVs forecasted to rise in the coming years in Africa, BasiGo recently entered a partnership with the Associated Vehicle Assemblers Ltd (AVA) to assemble 1,000 of its buses in Mombasa, Kenya. This partnership will allow the company to bring even more of its fully electric buses, which have a range of 250 km daily and go for $46,698, to the masses. Basigo also has alternative financing where operators pay $0.16 per km. Jit Bhattacharya and BasiGo are truly at the forefront of a green revolution, pushing for sustainable transportation and making a real impact in Africa and beyond www.cioafrica.co | FEBRUARY 2023 | CIO Africa Magazine | by dx⁵
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