Only a third of PCs shipped to Africa carry genuine software – Microsoft

Microsoft, a giant software-maker, is embarking on a continent-wide programme to tackle the growing piracy of its products. The programme tagged ‘Windows PC Affordability in Africa Initiative’, in partnership with notable industry players such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Intel and Acer, aim to make software affordable to business and individual users across the continent.

Beyond making its products affordable, the firm will also conduct massive public education to help users know what risks are attached to buying pirated software. With consistent enlightenment and improvement in affordability, the software-maker believes it can block pirated software from the market.

According to the Vice President, Consumer & Device Sales, Microsoft, Bradley Hopkinson, by helping organisations and individuals understand the dangers inherent in using pirated Microsoft product, many will desist from making future purchase.

Meanwhile, the Regional General Manager, Microsoft Middle East & Africa, Deniz Ozen, cited that “only a third of PCs being shipped into Africa include genuine software.”

He explained that the massive use of pirated software on the continent has led to “data breaches and malware attacks” which pose security and productivity risk to businesses.

Libya and Zimbabwe are noted to be notorious for software piracy. About 90% of the software in circulation in the countries are pirated.

The ‘Windows PC Affordability’ programme will help SMEs, which account for 60% of employment in Africa, to gain access to needed tool to scale current productivity level.