Are you using genuine software on your PC? Probably not. Microsoft made a shocking revelation at the launch event of the Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative. An initiative aimed at providing affordable Windows products to reduce software piracy in emerging markets such as Africa.
The revelation came out when Deniz Ozen, Regional General Manager, Consumer and Device Sales, Microsoft Middle East & Africa, was talking about increase in malware attacks in the region. He notes that “as per our estimates, only a third of PCs being shipped into Africa include genuine software”. Because of this, data breaches and malware attacks have increased significantly, resulting in loss of important data and decreased productivity,”
According to Microsoft, more than half of the devices shipped into the Middle East and Africa run pirated Windows software. With Africa, experiencing a higher percentage. To put it in context, two thirds of devices shipped and sold in Africa don’t run on genuine software.
Even when it comes to those who try to buy genuine products, Microsoft says the pirated software is often installed without the end users knowledge. Leaving these users to suffer the consequences, which include data loss and unusable PCs.
A pirated version of Windows puts both PCs and people’s data at risk
Microsoft discloses, its goal is to “empower people to do great things on a Windows PC”. The company however says “a pirated version of Windows puts both PCs and people’s data at risk“.
A report by The Software Alliance reveals the overall rate of pirated software across the Middle East and Africa is 56 percent. Libya and Zimbabwe rate as countries with the highest users of unlicensed software in the region.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get the latest in Microsoft related updates, news, events, opportunities, community events, etc. across Africa and the Middle East. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Microsoft is announcing the Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative, together with its OEM partners. A bold move to reduce pirating of Microsoft software in emerging markets.
Microsoft announced the initiative at a press briefing held in its Bryanston office in Johannesburg. The initiative, Microsoft says aims to “reduce the prevalence of Microsoft software piracy in Africa“.
we aim to educate consumers on the risks of using pirated software
Through the Initiative, “we aim to educate consumers on the risks of using pirated software” shares Bradley Hopkinson, Vice President, Consumer & Device Sales, Microsoft. He continues that Microsoft will “work with our PC ecosystem partners includingAcer, Asus, Dell, Intel, Lenovo, Mustek and SMD to make Genuine Windows 10 PCs more affordable across Africa“.
Affordable devices under the Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative
Acer, Asus, Dell, Intel, Lenovo, SMD Technologies, Mustek are OEM partners working with Microsoft to build the affordable devices. This list can increase over the coming years. Windows 10 PCs under the initiative will range from about 150$ to 500$. Covering low to high end specifications. Acer Swift 3, Dell Latitude 3390, Connex Slim Book 2, HP 14 S are some of the early devices announced.
Microsoft’s Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative is currently focusing on genuine Windows 10 rollout at the moment. The company might include other products like Microsoft Office in the future.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to get the latest in Microsoft related updates, news, events, opportunities, community events, etc. across Africa and the Middle East. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Microsoft Nigeria is hosting an official store on the Jumia Nigeria online mall.
Microsoft now has an official store page on the Jumia Nigeria online mall. A move to help consumers and businesses buy and use genuine Microsoft products and solutions. This solves an earlier challenge as payments are in the local currency, Naira.
The Microsoft store page currently features only Microsoft Office 365 product suites. Offering Office 365 business, Office 365 Business Essentials and Office 365 Business Premium. The store page mentions buying Windows 10 software, that is not presently available.
Get the best tools you need on Microsoft official store page on Jumia mall. Find the best deals on this page. Do more with Office 365 for less. Are you are interested in Windows 10 software? Everything you are looking for is available online at the lowest prices.
Microsoft Nigeria earlier this year also partnered with FirstBank Nigeria. To provide SME’s with an education platform and access to its productivity suite tools at discounted rates payable in Naira.
Microsoft discourages piracy as it has so many negative effects it brings to a software user. Malware ransomware being a major one that opens a software user to cyber attacks. But buying genuine software was a challenge in the African region. This narrative is however changing.
We are unable to confirm to you at this moment if there will be products targeted at individuals. As well as if other Microsoft products like the Surface and Xbox devices will be available in the near future. Or if the Microsoft store will become available in Jumia’s other ten online malls across Africa.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Let’s keep you up to date on the Microsoft ecosystem and communities in Africa and the Middle East. Subscribe!” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Global AI Bootcamp is here again. Interested in learning about artificial intelligence(AI) and Microsoft Azure? Then the Global AI Bootcamp presents you with that opportunity. Join others learners worldwide in the one day, free event at a local meetup near you.
The Global AI Bootcamp is a free one-day event. Organized by local communities all over the world that are passionate about Artificial Intelligence on the Microsoft stack. The next event takes place on the 14th of December 2019 on venues all over the world, supported by Microsoft.
There are Global AI Bootcamp meetups taking place all over Nigeria. Know of other Global AI Bootcamp meetups in Nigeria we haven’t included? Share them with us.
Don’t forget to join the communities for updates on future events.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to recieve updates on the latest events, news, offers and opportunities from the Microsoft Africa and Middle East communities. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
Global AI Bootcamp is here in Ghana. Interested in learning about artificial intelligence(AI), and Microsoft Azure? Then the Global AI Bootcamp presents that opportunity. Join others learners worldwide in the one day, free event at a local meetup near you.
The Global AI Bootcamp is a free one-day event. Organized by local communities all over the world that are passionate about Artificial Intelligence on the Microsoft stack. The next event takes place on the 14th of December 2019 on venues all over the world, supported by Microsoft.
There are three meetups taking place in Accra. Know of others we haven’t included? Share them with us.
Don’t forget to join the communities for updates on future events.
[jetpack_subscription_form show_only_email_and_button=”true” custom_background_button_color=”undefined” custom_text_button_color=”undefined” submit_button_text=”Subscribe to recieve updates on the latest events, news, offers and opportunities from the Microsoft Africa and Middle East communities. ” submit_button_classes=”undefined” show_subscribers_total=”true” ]
