Microsoft in Africa, motives suspect but actions excellent

You can say a lot of things about why Microsoft is taking such a strong interest in developing areas of the globe, such as Africa. It is, frankly, good business. By helping Africa grow its IT skills and infrastructure based on Microsoft technologies, it is creating new markets and customers for itself. That's the kind of positive growth that most people want to see from the world's largest software company engage in.

Even still, this week the company has launched a couple of initiatives that have the potential to go beyond business to affect positive social/economic change. This nongovernmental organization (NGO) academy in Africa is one of them. The other was a similar partnership announced earlier this week with the government of Angola which includes plans of closer collaboration with the European Union.

In both of these deals, Microsoft will deliver information, resources, tools and training on topics such as IT management. Microsoft will create regional Centers of Excellence. The first such Center of Excellence will open in partnership with local NGOs in South Africa, serving as a venue where NGOs could network in Ghana, Kenya and Senegal.

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