BM has just announced an investment of $ 70 million for the development of computer skills around digital, cloud and cognitive. The program, named “IBM Digital – Nation Africa”, offers an IBM cloud-based learning platform that will host free educational programs for 25 million young Africans over the next five years.

“IBM Digital – Nation Africa” is part of IBM’s global “New Collar” initiative that aims to build the next generation of technical skills essential for business development. “New Collar” is the term used by IBM to describe new types of careers that do not necessarily require a traditional degree but rather advanced skills in cyber security, data science, artificial intelligence, cloud and others and other high-level courses. potential.

“IBM Digital – Nation Africa” ​​aims to train young Africans on the technologies of tomorrow but also aims to enable developers and entrepreneurs to harness the potential of cognitive technology to develop their projects around innovative solutions. This initiative, based on an IBM Bluemix cloud environment, will offer a set of programs, ranging from basic computer courses to the most advanced training, such as programming, cybersecurity and agile methodology, through the subjects general such as innovation, critical analysis or entrepreneurship.

The online learning platform will be based on Watson, IBM‘s cognitive system that has the ability to adapt to any context, to learn and to interact with its users. Thus, the system will be able to analyze user profiles to offer them the most appropriate training, going as far as adapting the educational content of the program. Watson will have a good knowledge of the information gathered from interactions with students. This will help entrepreneurs and developers understand which current Bluemix solutions best meet their needs and refine their idea to help them design a solution that has the greatest market potential. The program will be piloted from IBM’s regional centers in South Africa, namely Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria. It aims to train 25 million people in IT skills within five years.

Africa has nearly 200 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24, and by 2040 will be home to the world’s largest labor force of one billion people (according to the State of Education in Africa 2015 report). To support the continent’s growth, it is crucial to develop local technological and entrepreneurial skills. “IBM sees computer education as a key factor in economic development in Africa. Through access to best practices, open source software, and IBM tools and resources, this program will help develop essential skills, ”said Hamilton Ratshefola, general manager of IBM in South Africa. “In order to find solutions adapted to the problems of our continent and ensure its growth, the different industries must equip their workforce with the best technological skills,” he added.

This initiative will provide access to thousands of free resources like out-of-the-box mobile applications, online tutorials – demos, interactive simulations, videos and articles, a series of self-assessment tests to monitor progress. individuals with recognized certifications, the creation of a volunteering program to promote digital culture within the different communities and the App Marketplace, a platform where new applications will be available for free download or for sale.

The initiative will be supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which has a particular interest in the development of ICT skills in Africa and the Middle East. IBM will work with UNDP on the development, certification and accreditation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills. UNDP will use its network of partners to expand the program across Africa.

Source: http://www.challenge.ma/digital-nation-africa-maroc-parmi-5-hubs-africains-dibm-76970/

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CEO AfrikaTech

Comme beaucoup de personnes j’ai connu l’Afrique à travers des stéréotypes : l’Afrique est pauvre, il y a la guerre, famine… Je suis devenu entrepreneur pour briser ces clichés et participer à la construction du continent. J’ai lancé plusieurs entreprises dont Kareea (Formation et développement web), Tutorys (Plate-forme de e-learning), AfrikanFunding (Plate-forme de crowdfunding). Après un échec sur ma startup Tutorys, à cause d’une mauvaise exécution Business, un manque de réseau, pas de mentor, je suis parti 6 mois en immersion dans l’écosystème Tech au Sénégal. J’ai rencontré de nombreux entrepreneurs passionnés, talentueux et déterminés. A mon retour sur Paris je décide de raconter leur histoire en créant le média AfrikaTech. L'objectif est de soutenir les entrepreneurs qui se battent quotidiennement en Afrique en leur offrant la visibilité, les connaissances, le réseautage et les capitaux nécessaires pour réussir. L'Afrique de demain se construit aujourd'hui ensemble. Rejoignez-nous ! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boubacardiallo

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