Modern technologies such as cloud computing and virtualisation could help boost Ethiopia's livestock industry, says global technology firm IBM.

This recommendation comes after a team of IBM experts, consisting of 12 people from eight countries, have spent 30 days in Ethiopia working with government ministries to advise on how to enhance trade in the country.

In a press statement, IBM says it has worked with Ethiopia’s ministries of trade and agriculture in the process. The company adds that it has also worked with Ethiopia’s Information Communication Technology Management Centre (ICTMC).

And according to IBM officials, in a country where the primary source of income for the majority of citizens is livestock, this industry in particular could be more competitive by standardising and sharpening the collection and analysis of data related to livestock.

IBM has said that farmers should gain access to kiosks that provide accurate and timely pricing information, trends, weather forecasts and practical agricultural advice.

This could make livestock trade more transparent and secure, IBM officials say.

The team has further recommended the use of better technology and training for employees at the Agricultural Transformation Agency, an Ethiopian government body.

The IBM team encouraged the government to define standard operating procedures and security policies for all agencies and data centres when it comes to technology that could help officials govern more effectively, efficiently and securely.

"IBM is pleased to support the Ethiopian government's five-year Growth and Transformation Plan around enhancing livelihoods and to generate opportunities for private sector engagement in sustainable economic development," said IBM's Middle East and Africa public sector leader, Dr. Cameron Brooks,

Dr. Abiyot Bayou, director of e-governance for Ethiopia's ICT ministry, said, "IBM's corporate service corps programme has given us access to IBM's vast experience."

"IBM's team immersed itself in critical areas in which support was needed. I was impressed with the quality of the job they have delivered in this short period of time. I hope we will have a chance to host other IBM teams in the future," Bayou added.