RPC Data, a market leader in provision of business software in Botswana, has announced intentions to spend 1, 5 million Pula towards skills development in the country's ICT sector.

Dubbed 'Intern to Employment', the programme will see RPC Data collaborate with the Department of National Internship Programme (DNIP) and a network of business partner on an international internship programme.

The international internship programme is expected to be a critical component towards skills development and human capital management for Botswana's ICT sector.

"At RPC Data, we firmly believe that job creation in current circumstances in only possible by investing in multiple initiatives and thereby providing the much needed business diversity to the Botswana market," said Komal Rao, managing director at RPC Data.

Rao said the programme is designed to mould fresh talent into professional consultants.

Government has applauded RPC Data for the initiative and challenged other companies to participate in skills development.

"RPC Data's internship program is innovative and serves as a shining example of how collaborative relationship between government and the private sector can create a win-all situation," said Boitshepo Bolele, Director at DNIP.

DNIP seeks internship positions for graduates in organisations so they can become equipped with the necessary skills, for employment in their respective fields

Under the new scheme, the first batch of interns has been enrolled to participate in a 12 months international training on SAP products. The local participants will join graduates from other eight African countries – Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Nigeria.

According to RPC Data, on completion of the year long SAP programme, the interns will graduate with SAP certification an internationally recognised qualification.