ECA seal ICT deal with Microsoft

  1. Posted on Monday 1 February 2010 - 12:00
    Sanday
    Image of Sanday
    Sanday Chongo Kabange AfricaNews reporter in Lusaka, Zambia
    United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and global computer giant, Microsoft Corporation have sealed a partnership memorandum of understanding that aims to foster regional cooperation and economic growth in Africa through the use of Information and Communication Technologies' (ICTs).
    microsoft_logo
    ECA executive secretary Abdoulie Janneh said, “We believe this is an agenda that will drive economic growth in Africa. Indeed, Africa stands to gain given Microsoft’s credibility”.

    Microsoft chairman, for Middle East and Africa, Cheick Modibo Diarra noted that poor connectivity in Africa prompted the US based computer giant to pursue accessibility as a legacy.

    Diarra said, “I decided to make accessibility my legacy considering that Africa is still poor in connectivity. ECA and Microsoft are two credible organisations coming together to make Africa a better continent”.

    Through the public private partnership, ECA and Microsoft will employ their respective expertise in a number of areas including access to software and technical support, local software development and supporting the development of Africa’s e-government programmes through enhanced use of ICTs.

    Partnership programmes will support and align closely with the work of ECA’s Information Technology Centre for Africa (ITCA) to raise awareness and commitment in the use of ICT as a driver of economic opportunities in Africa.

    The partnership will also include collaboration on issues relating to safeguarding intellectual property, security of information systems and networks.

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