BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

IBM innovation centre opens in Kenya

IBM innovation centre opens in Kenya
Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
09 May 2013

Multinational technology and computer firm IBM has opened its first innovation centre in East Africa.

The IBM Innovation Centre located in Nairobi, Kenya joins a worldwide network of 40 other IBM centres in 33 countries, including Morocco and South Africa.

According to IBM the centre would provide IT partners, developers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and academics access to the latest enterprise software and hardware, training and business and marketing support in that region.

The goal of the new IBM Innovation Centre is to nurture and grow regional IT innovation and help startups and new business IT solutions get to market faster, the company said.

Centre attendees would also be able to participate in virtual and in-person training, test out their new products, network with peers from around the world, and receive mentoring and guidance from IT and business experts.

“Technology is playing a critical role in building stronger Kenyan and East African economies,” said Mugo Kibati, chief executive officer, Kenya Vision 2030.

“IBM is an essential partner in helping us create a vibrant network of highly-skilled individuals and businesses, who are driving innovation for Africa and the world,” he said.

According to World Bank's InfoDev the information and communications technology (ICT) sector has driven up to 40% of the economic growth in East Africa in the past 10 years.

In Kenya, the IT industry is expected to grow by 11% annually, creating a need for highly-skilled professionals capable of driving IT innovation and entrepreneurship.

As a hub for ICT skill development and innovation, the centre would serve as a launch pad for the ideas and solutions that shape the IT landscape in the future, and play a key role in progress towards the East African community’s joint development goals, according to IBM.

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