Following extensive discussions and mapping out of strategies on how best to collaborate towards the development of the Nigerian software ecosystem, Microsoft Nigeria has officially formalized its corporate membership of the apex body for software developers in Nigeria, the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON).
In a ceremony comprising key officials of both organizations, an official presentation of the certificate of membership for Microsoft Nigeria along with a handover of a white paper on the sustenance of a strategic partnership between the two industry heavyweights was made.
Speaking at the event, the President of ISPON, Mr. Pius Okigbo, Jr. reiterated the resolve of ISPON to build indigenous capacity by bolstering software local content as well as protecting and advocating intellectual property rights as it concerns indigenous software development through its various channels and events and stated that Microsoft Nigeria must play a key role in the realization of these goals.
Mr. Kabelo Makwane, Country Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria expressed his pleasure at the approach of ISPON towards addressing these key issues and restated that the partnership should be on a long term basis judging by the enormity and importance of the issues identified. Speaking further, he tasked ISPON to facilitate a unified and strong software industry which will speak with one voice and thereby lend credence in the advocacy of its cause.
Adding his voice to the proceedings, Mr. Chris Uwaje, immediate past President of ISPON praised the new partnership and welcomed Microsoft on board, tasking the company to assert wits role in the development of the Nigerian software ecosystem as Nigeria has a pool of young talented software developers, a large percentage of which will be churned into the software ecosystem in the next decade creating a vibrant software industry.
Microsoft Nigeria confirmed its acceptance of the strategic partnership with ISPON and pledged its support to participate at the forthcoming ISPON National Software Conference & Competition holding in Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State in October.
If we recall recently, Microsoft Corporation elevated Microsoft Nigeria to a stand-alone subsidiary in recognition of the maturity of the market and the immense opportunities the Country offers. These opportunities include fast economic growth, the largest GDP in Africa, a new generation of entrepreneurs and a business-friendly government that is rapidly expanding ICT infrastructure development.
