Microsoft has reaffirmed the company's commitment to Africa by announcing a 20-year business plan that will improve competitiveness and accelerate economic growth and development in Africa.

This comes after Microsoft Nigeria's newly appointed General Manager; Kabelo Makwane reassured the industry of the same during the second edition of Agenda for Nigeria Innovation Forum 2014 in Calabar, Southeastern Nigeria.

Makwane said the company would be built on three pillars: 21st century world-class skills, providing affordable access and fostering local innovation. Microsoft is looking to shape its next 20 years on the continent through the Microsoft 4Afrika initiative launched a year ago.

With a 22 year history in Africa, the technology giant has mentored over 50 startups through its Bizspark, one of which is African gaming app company –Gamesole owned by award winning game developer Abiola Olaniran and has recently rolled our plans to continue supporting education and skills development amongst the continent's young professionals.

Microsoft has already set off the project by providing supporting the youth in Nigeria, software donations to non-governmental organizations and the encouragement of local innovation.