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Cisco launches initiative to support African economies

Cisco launches initiative to support African economies
By Kelvin Chambwa in Johannesburg
Tuesday March 18, 2008 [03:01]

Global IT group Cisco has launched an investment initiative to support emerging economies in Africa in addressing the critical IT skills shortfall. The initiative that is under the auspices of the Global Talent Acceleration Programme (GTAP) will first be implemented in South Africa this year and eventually spread to other countries in Africa, including Zambia.

According to Cisco, as part of the ongoing investment in the region, GTAP was a long-term initiative aimed at developing local next-generation network consulting engineering for the company.

The initiative has particular relevance in emerging countries where there is need to train and transition staff in service delivery.

At present, the entire African region is experiencing tremendous growth in information technology (IT). However, finding the right talent to support this growth is becoming a critical challenge for governments and organisations alike.

Announcing the launch of the programme at Birchwood Executive Hotel in Johannesburg on Thursday last week, Phil Wolfenden, senior director of Cisco Advanced Services in emerging markets, observed that demand for technical talent had undoubtedly exceeded supply in emerging Africa.

“Our belief is that local or near-shore employees are best suited to understand and address the business requirements of their native regions,” Wolfenden said.

“Our investment will help foster a climate of confidence in which business and government leaders can commit to major new projects.”

Wolfenden added that instead of importing talent from other regions on a temporary basis, GTAP would accelerate the development of a highly skilled and well-trained local workforce.

“The skills that GTAP provides to its graduates contribute to the local knowledge infrastructures that are critical for accelerating and sustaining economic growth,” he said.

Initially, the focus will be on South Africa where Cisco aims to employ and train locally based recruits at the professional and associate levels.

The Johannesburg facility is the second GTAP initiative to be launched in emerging countries following the establishment of a facility in Jordan in November last year. The South African facility will eventually act as a “hub” for emerging Africa.

Selected students will be put through a rigorous programme that combines theory, industry exposure and hands-on experience.

Labels: CISCO SYSTEMS

posted by MrK @ 3:51 AM