JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/09/08 -- Building on significant progress
with its growing partner and client base in sub-Saharan Africa, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today will host an
innovation forum in Johannesburg to discuss both progress made during the
past year and what lies ahead. Today's forum brings together leaders from
government, academia and businesses to spark new initiatives that advance
Africa's position in the global economy.
Just under a year ago, IBM announced a $120 million
investment in sub-Saharan Africa to accelerate the development of new
markets, foster the growth of skilled IT professionals and create new jobs.
Today, the company continues the dialogue, reinforcing its focus on world
growth markets and collaborative approach to innovation.
The forum will highlight progress on programs kicked off in 2007,
including:
The discussions today will also include new focus areas for collaboration
including alternative energy solutions, banking the unbanked, and the role
of women entrepreneurs in shaping Africa's future.
"We've made tremendous progress with our partners in Africa over the past
year, and will continue to build on that momentum as we grow existing
programs and implement new ones," said Bruno Di Leo, general manager, IBM
Growth Markets. "An information technology infrastructure and a sound
educational system are crucial as African business organizations look to
compete globally. IBM is committed to playing an important role in
providing the latest technology and expertise and in the development of
skills across the continent of Africa, and in emerging markets around the
world."
Today's forum is part of IBM's Global Innovation Outlook (GIO).
