Gates to strengthen Microsoft’s partnership with African countries
12-JUL-06
Speaking at the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) in Cape Town, Mr Gates told delegates that through partnerships with governments and other stakeholders, Microsoft hoped to train more than 45 million people in ICT across the African continent.
“For Africa to truly become competitive in the global economy, strategic collaboration between business, government and NGOs is essential.
“By providing more affordable access to technology and helping partners build strong local software economies, Microsoft can help create knowledge-based economies in Africa that can generate new jobs and offer new opportunities for growth,” he said.
Microsoft, a member of Nepad’s Information Society Partnership for Africa’s Development (ISPAD), is an active partner in the African body’s e-school initiative.
It is leading a consortium of industry partners to support 25 schools in eight African countries with a computer lab per school, software, teacher training, networking, maintenance and support.
In South Africa, Microsoft announced a new collaboration with one of the country’s leading mobile operators MTN, to help bring affordable wireless broadband connectivity and access to computers by local consumers.
“Its great to see leaders in government, education and technology come together to identify creative ways that African nations can use technology to address the challenges they face and open the door to new opportunities,” said Mr Gates.
Speaking at the same forum, former US President Bill Clinton said technology had the potential to lift Africa from its social and economic woes.
“Technology has expanded the opportunities of millions of people around the world – whether by expanding access to information, education or healthcare or increasing the collective power of individuals.
“It has an important role to play in creating a thriving, competitive Africa,” he said.
However, Mr Gates warned African governments about pushing only for economic growth without ensuring there was an equitable distribution of wealth among citizens.
“We are beginning to see governments, who despite having achieving phenomenal economic growth in their countries, are being voted out of power by their citizens.
“Economic growth that fails to address the challenges of the poor is not good enough,” he said.
Attended by top government and business from across the African continent, the objective of the two-day forum that opened yesterday was among others, to identify challenges in the development of ICT in Africa.
By Clive Ndou – BuaNews
