Speakers

Lydia Carroon is Director of Connectivity Partnerships at Microsoft, where she leads strategic partnerships that expand digital infrastructure, internet access, and technology-enabled opportunities for underserved communities around the world. As part of Microsoft's Energy, Connectivity & Sustainability organization, she works with governments, multilateral institutions, telecommunications providers, technology companies, and nonprofit organizations to accelerate digital inclusion and support sustainable economic development.

Lydia has experience building and managing complex public-private partnerships that advance connectivity, digital skills, and community impact initiatives. Her work focuses on bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop scalable solutions that improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and emerging technologies. She regularly collaborates with international organizations, industry leaders, and local partners to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of technology reach more people and communities.

Since joining Microsoft in 2018, Lydia has helped shape and execute partnership strategies across global markets, with particular focus on connectivity, sustainability, and digital inclusion initiatives. She is based in Nairobi and works across Microsoft's global ecosystem of partners to advance the company's mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.