India to sponsor 150 Kenya Government officers on ICT training

In addition more than 50 Indian ICT companies are attending the IndoAfrica Summit in Nairobi. They are in the country shopping for Kenyan ICT companies to partner as they look to invest in Africa.

This was announced by Hon Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Mining during the Indo-Africa ICT Summit and Expo in Nairobi today. Hon Balala was representing his counterpart, Dr Fred Matiang’i who is in NewYork for the70th Session of United Nations General Assembly.

“This Summit will explore areas in which the two regions can collaborate for the mutual benefits of their markets.  I have no doubt that India has proven its capabilities in the ICT sector and is acknowledged as a preferred destination for services and outsourced Research and Development. Given the large domestic demand for telecom equipment in India, Indian companies are now using Innovation, Research and Development to create world class products for India as well as for other emerging markets having similar needs like Africa,” said Hon Balala of the 2-day event at KICC, Nairobi.

The event has gathered more than 50 Indian ICT companies who are looking to invest in the African market by partnering with local companies. Representing India was Mr. Rakesh Garg, Secretary Telecom Government of India. Various senior Government officials and business leaders from India, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda also attended the event.

Mr. Rakesh Garg, Secretary Government of India and Chairman of TEPC said, “We are leveraging the convergence of telecom and IT for launching a digital transformation that will be used for the betterment of our lives in all aspects of human society.  Due to the large scale and complexity, we have got a lot of experience in policies, networks/technology, skill development and innovative solutions that we will like to share with Africa. We are also impressed that Kenya has been creating innovative solutions using ICT for improving the lives of its people. Together, we see many opportunities for cooperation and our Government is keen to find ways to increase the business between India and Africa in ICT sector”.

The event is organized by the Indian Government in conjunction with ICT Authority of Kenya, India’s Telecom Export Promotion Council (TEPC), and NASSCOM.

“As the ICT Authority, India is our partner. We have in the past held a number of exchanges both here in Kenya and in various cities across India. We have had an existing MOU between NASSCOM, India IT trade association, since 2011 and through it we have collaborated on a number of initiatives that has resulted to opening up of both markets to investors. The NASSCOM Leadership forums, have been a must attend for us as it gives us insights into the business of IT as well as provide us with excellent networking opportunities,” said Mr Victor Kyalo, the CEO, ICT Authority.