Neel Mehta
IBM has launched several information technology programs in Africa to build a workforce with next-generation IT knowledge and skills and contribute to the continent’s economic development and growth, IBM said Thursday.
 “Leaders in business, education and government agree that enabling the existing and future workforce to perform at the cutting edge of technology trends such as big data, analytics and cloud computing is key to Africa’s growth,†said Takreem El Tohamy, general manager of IBM Middle East and Africa.
IBM said it is offering some programs in a software-as-a-service model for a wider reach.
 The IT initiatives include software skills enablement, partnerships with universities, faculty awards and the LEADing to Africa internship program.
 Highlighted in the press release is the IBM Africa Technical Institutes, which is already ongoing in 11 countries and had 630 participants, including partners and clients, in 2013.
