Lillian Barnard, who has served as President of Microsoft Africa and acting Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa, is stepping down from both positions to take on a new regional leadership role. Microsoft has appointed her as the Chief of Enterprise Partner Solutions for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, marking a significant expansion of her responsibilities within the company.
In her new role, Barnard will be responsible for driving Microsoft’s mission through its extensive and diverse partner ecosystem across the MEA region. She will focus on identifying synergies across Microsoft’s partner network to scale digital and AI-powered solutions that support transformation and growth for both public and private sector organizations.
“By empowering our partners to develop and scale locally relevant technology solutions that address real-world challenges, we are enabling them to become producers as well as consumers of AI innovation,” Barnard said. “Our mission in both Africa and the Middle East goes beyond technology—it’s about shaping futures, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth”
Microsoft emphasized that Barnard’s deep understanding of Africa’s unique opportunities and challenges will be instrumental in her new role. Her leadership is expected to help enterprise customers across the region harness Microsoft’s platforms to build, market, and scale their capabilities—unlocking long-term profitability and accelerating digital transformation.
During her tenure as President of Microsoft Africa, Barnard played a pivotal role in expanding Microsoft’s footprint across the continent. She led initiatives such as the Airband Initiative, which brought affordable internet access to underserved rural communities, and oversaw the launch of Microsoft’s first hyperscale data centers in Cape Town and Johannesburg. She also championed the AI Skills Initiative, which has equipped millions of Africans with critical skills in AI and cybersecurity
As Barnard transitions into her new role, Microsoft has confirmed that South Africa remains a strategic priority. The company is actively recruiting a new Managing Director to lead its South African operations and continue supporting local innovation and economic growth.
