[Olpc-open] ICT manufacturing in Nigeria

[Edward Cherlin]

D-Link to Manufacture Networking Component in Nigeria

D-Link International of Singapore has commenced the process that will
lead to the manufacturing of computer Networking Components in
Nigeria.

This will be the first of its kind initiative in Africa that will
bring to light the quest to bridge the digital divide and aid Nigeria
in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

This development is the outcome of the recent strategic working visit
of the Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre and her
entourage, to D-Link International of Singapore.

The week-long official visit and group professional meetings between
D-Link representative led by The company President, Tony Tsao and the
Minister's entourage which included, Prof. Cleopas Angaye, Director
General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),
Chris Uwaje, MD/CEO Connect Technologies and country consultant to
D-Link International and Mayokun Ogedengbe, country manager, D-Link
Nigeria.

Making these known in a statement, country manager, D-Link Nigeria,
said that the project concept will be focused on IT Networking and
Data communication infrastructure, Applications and related solutions.

He said that under this initiative the major objective and solutions
will focus on total e-Government IP infrastructure Security Camera
surveillance solutions adopting e-GIF models. It will also deliver
e-Health and E-learning related infrastructure services.

Above all, the project objectives will enhance the ICT capacity
building profile of Nigeria.

The Networking Component Manufacturing process according to the
statement, will be delivered in three distinct phases. Phase one will
comprise the Semi-Knocked-Down (SKD), component Assembly Phase.
Followed by High-level component Research and Development (R & D)
process incubation services - leading to the last phase, which will be
the delivery of establishing a computer Networking component
Manufacturing Plant in Nigeria.

The project concept will be focused on IT Networking and Data
communication infrastructure, Applications and related solutions.
Under this initiative the major objective and solutions will focus on
total e-Government IP infrastructure Security Camera surveillance
solutions, adopting e-GIF models. It will also deliver e-Health and
e-learning related infrastructure services. Above all, the project
objectives will enhance the ICT capacity building profile of Nigeria.

The proposed project according to the statement, will attract inflow
of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Nigeria, transformation of
Nigeria into the Hub of activities in Africa as well as facilitation
of e-Government growth and development in Nigeria.

It will also deliver the benefit of ICT capacity building and
empowerment to the citizenry. Other benefits of the project includes
e-service delivery to hospitals, clinics access to rural communities,
border frontiers surveillance, ports, sea entry, oil and Gas pipeline
monitoring, prison and police activities. All these benefits according
to the statement, would improve ICT access in Nigeria and reduce the
digital divide disadvantage to rural Nigeria.

Besides, the R & D component will prepare Nigeria for the 2020 mission
and sustain her long-term development.

Informed by the potential value of the relationship between D-Link
International and Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, it has
now become a strategic imperative for D-Link to enter into a
"strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with the Federal Government of
Nigeria," the statement added.

D-Link International Ltd is a Networking and Data communication
manufacturing company. It was established in 1986 and has consistently
grown its position in the data-communication segment of the IT
industry.

Presently, the company is the world number one manufacturer of SMB
networking components with a strong presence in over 160 countries all
over the world. It boasts of a product portfolio of over 600 products
and the company places a strong emphasis on research and development
with over 1000 R & D engineers in four continents.

D-Link has also gone a step further in the building of manpower
capacity for IT infrastructure. The company has been able to achieve
this through its certification programme, DCE (D-Link Certified
Engineer). The programme according to the statement is designed to
enhance the knowledge base, networking capacity and skill-set of
individuals rather than the award of certificates.

D-Link commenced full operations in Nigeria in 2007. Prior to this
period, the brands product has already enjoyed market dominance in the
networking and data communications market.
(Source: This Day)

-- 
Edward Cherlin
End Poverty at a Profit by teaching children business
http://www.EarthTreasury.org/
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."--Alan Kay