Microsoft has promoted Lillian Barnard to lead its Enterprise Partner Solutions business across the Middle East and Africa, which reflects both the company’s deepening focus on AI innovation and its confidence in African leadership.
Barnard will step down as President of Microsoft Africa and acting Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa, roles she’s held with distinction.
Microsoft says it’s recruiting a new South Africa MD, reaffirming the country’s strategic importance to its growth plans.
A new role for a proven leader
In her new role, Barnard will focus on scaling Microsoft’s digital and AI solutions through its partner ecosystem, helping governments and businesses across MEA drive transformation and sustainable growth.
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She’ll also identify market alliances to localise tech solutions that reflect the region’s unique challenges and opportunities.
“Our mission in both Africa and the Middle East goes beyond technology. It’s about shaping futures, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth,” Barnard said.
Her promotion caps a six-year leadership journey within Microsoft. She joined the company in 2017 to lead its public sector division and was appointed Managing Director of Microsoft South Africa in March 2019, becoming the first woman to hold that position since Microsoft reinvested in the country in the early 1990s. By 2023, she rose to President of Microsoft Africa, a role in which she significantly expanded the company’s footprint on the continent.
Driving digital transformation across Africa
During her tenure, Barnard spearheaded major initiatives to expand access to connectivity, cloud, and AI technologies. Under her leadership, Microsoft launched data centres in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the first by a hyperscaler in Africa, and invested in building a new cloud region in East Africa in collaboration with G42.
She also oversaw the Airband Initiative, which has brought internet access to underserved communities, and helped launch the AI Skills Initiative, training millions in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Internally, she re-energised the Women@Microsoft South Africa chapter and helped foster a more inclusive workplace culture.
Beyond Microsoft, Barnard previously held executive positions at Vodacom, where she was Chief Sales Officer, and spent 15 years at IBM in various leadership roles.
Her service on boards like Vodacom SA, Mango Airlines, and non-profit initiatives like Dream Girls International reflects her deep commitment to leadership and social impact.
Microsoft eyes expansion in MEA
With her new role, Microsoft is sharpening its focus on building a resilient, inclusive digital economy across MEA. Barnard’s leadership is expected to accelerate AI adoption among enterprise clients, enabling partners to become producers, not just consumers, of innovation.
South Africa remains a top priority for the company. Microsoft said it will soon announce a new local MD to ensure continuity and drive AI adoption in the public and private sectors.
Barnard’s elevation marks a major milestone for African tech leadership and signals Microsoft’s belief in the region’s talent to shape the future of digital transformation.