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Microsoft launches initiative to tackle software piracy in Africa

Earlier today Microsoft South Africa held an event focused on software piracy in the emerging markets of the continent. The event also saw the firm launch the Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative, which is aimed at tackling that aforementioned problem.

To implement the Initiative, the organisation is working with its major PC partners, Acer, Asus, Dell, Intel, Lenovo, SMD Technologies and Mustek to improve the uptake and affordability of genuine software across Africa.

The initiative is aimed at helping both SMEs and students alike, both of which are viewed as important segments given how much they are expected to develop in Africa int he coming years and decades.

“The future of Africa is reliant on entrepreneur’s ability to start and grow successful businesses, and access to genuine software, that guaranties comprehensive security and protections for devices and data, is critical to the long-term success of these businesses,” the firm explained in a press statement.

“The same applies for students, who rely heavily on access to devices, software and information to complete tasks and projects. If their devices or data are compromised by malware, viruses or cyber-attacks, they may not be able to communicate or access important information,” it adds.

With the estimated amount of pirated software in Middle East and Africa sitting at 56 percent, according to a June 2018 Software Alliance report, there is clearly a need to ensure that what consumers and businesses are using to run their devices is legitimate.

Microsoft is also aware that it often not the end-users fault either, many of which are unaware that pirated software has been installed on their devices.

Through the Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative, we aim to educate consumers on the risks of using pirated software, and to work with our PC ecosystem partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, Intel, Lenovo, Mustek and SMD to make Genuine Windows 10 PCs more affordable across Africa,” concludes Bradley Hopkinson, VP of Consumer & Device Sales at Microsoft. 

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