The programme to be implemented through the COMESA Business Council (CBC), is in line with the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative’s three core focus areas: World-class skills, Access and Innovation.
According to a release by the Africa Press Organisation (APO), the MoU will promote access to technology in COMESA Member States based on a Trusted Cloud Infrastructure that focuses on the secure deployment of modern IT operations.
It is also expected this collaboration will accelerate and promote the adoption of innovative high-speed low-cost connectivity initiatives and the adoption of enabling policies in the areas of cyber-security, data privacy and data protection.
“Business technology has revolutionized the way countries and firms conduct business. We are in an age where the planning processes of organizations is through instruments and solutions that promote quality management, and respond to age –old constraints of time limitations and high costs of operations,” said Mr Sindiso Ngwenya, COMESA’s Secretary General during the signing.
“Through Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative, we have been working to increase regional trade and the growth of the knowledge economy in Africa,” says Antony Cook, Associate General Counsel, Legal and Corporate Affairs Microsoft, Middle East and Africa.
He added: “Through influential partnerships, such as the one with COMESA, we aim to scale across the region further to impact not just thousands, but millions.”
The collaboration is expected to focus on fostering innovation across the COMESA region by promoting the value and protection of Intellectual Property. It will also encourage the development of eGovernment solutions that will facilitate, simplify and stimulate investment in and trade across the COMESA region to save on time and the cost of complying with business governance and regulations.
“Through this collaboration, we will bring policy makers and businesses together and empower them to take advantage of the cloud-first, mobile-first world. With the right policies and regulations in place, people will be encouraged to use cloud technology, develop their own IP and ultimately participate in trade and e-commerce across borders. With innovative eGovernment services, citizens and businesses will additionally benefit from safe online transactions, open borders, efficiency and increased foreign investment,” adds Cook.
