In a recent announcement, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is reported to be planning an investment of a significant $60m (equivalent to 11.9 billion Naira). According to a comprehensive report by Business Cloud News, this substantial funding appropriates a strategic approach designed to scale IBM’s technical academy and broaden various educational initiatives across Africa.
This long-term investment seek to reinforce capabilities in the ever-expanding sectors of big data, analytics, and cloud services. The mindful initiative will serve as a platform to facilitate emerging talents and therefore, bolster the technological development within the region.
Alongside exceptional faculty from participating universities, IBM’s technical experts will be administering the courses, leveraging their deep knowledge and extensive industry experience.
“With a research laboratory, innovation centers, and highly advanced facilities in more than 24 African countries, IBM has the highest concentration of technical talent on the African continent,” remarked Naguib Attia, the IBM Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Technical Leadership for MEA.
As an industry thought leader, IBM views it as their corporate responsibility to make a strategic investment towards skills development in Africa. “In helping to lay the foundations of tomorrow’s Africa, we hope to reach out to about 35,000 students by 2017,” Attia stated further.
IBM’s groundbreaking big data analytic tool, Watson, is also worth noting. Launched in 2011, Watson has proved to be a game-changer, making waves in multiple arenas from technology to medicine, and even behavioural patterns analysis.
Lastly, IBM’s African hub of innovative research is strategically located in Kenya. This commitment from IBM reflects its faith in African talent and the region’s vast potential in contributing significantly to the global tech industry.
Note that any information related to the intended use for the funds, and what they hope to achieve are speculative at this point and subject to change. To stay updated on IBM’s commitment to enhancing African tech capabilities, watch this space.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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