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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Microsoft, NESG partner on technology platform

Microsoft Nigeria and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) have agreed to partner on drawing up a technology platform that would give a boost to the nation’s economy.

Director General, NESG, Mr Mansur Ahmed who disclosed this at the end of a recent meeting between the two entities in Lagos, noted that for the nation to realise its ambitious growth target, technology is the key driver for the development needs to be on the national agenda.

The private public sector, he said, must take a more robust and long term approach in creating the enabling environment for technology to serve as the catalyst for growth. It is only through technology that we can catch up with developed nations.

Affirming the partnership, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu said that it has become crucial for Nigeria to place the right premium on her intellectual asset.

The world economy is now driven by intellectual property. Technology, which is not only an enabler but also a great vehicle for gaining a clear advantage as a nation is a key part of this knowledge economy, he pointed out.

Mr. Mba-Uzoukwu added that at Microsoft, they believe that given the right tools and an enabling environment, every Nigerian could unleash their unlimited potential to build wealth through technology.

In Nigeria, he said, Microsoft currently works with over a hundred partners to deliver business, education, communications and financial business solutions in order to build capacity in the local IT community.

Under this plan, he explained that the company also work with non-governmental organisations (NGO) to bring technology to the underserved in various communities through the Microsoft Digital Villages and training programmes for various groups including women in seclusion and the physically challenged.

The strategic partnership between Microsoft and NESG, he said, would encompass several areas of cooperation including activities to ensure technology is at the top of the agenda for national and economic planning.

The two organisations would equally be collaborating on efforts to ensure that Nigerians begin to see the potential in themselves and drive to achieve more and compete in the global technology innovation arena.

Microsoft will also henceforth play a central role in the annual economic summits with a view to harnessing the technology agenda.

The 2007 Economic Summit organized by the NESG had as its theme - Nigeria top 20, by 2020.

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