Nigeria: ICT Infrastructure - African Governments Not Spending Enough Money, IBM

Nairobi — The Chief Scientist of IBM Research Africa, Dr. Uyi Stewart has said that African governments are not spending enough money in building Informationa Communication Technology Infratsructure to leapflog into the information age which is the most valuable commodity.

The Nigerian born scientist who has spend not less 20 years experience in software research and product development related to human-computer interaction stated this yesterday while speaking to Nigerian IT Journalists in Nairobi, Kenya shortly after a tour of IBM research lab situated at the Catholic Univeristy, Estern Africa.

He said that lack of investment in technological knowledge was the reason for the wide disparity between the rich and the poor nations.

According to him, this gap can be closed if African nations focuses on developing an economy that is knowledge and technology based, instead of one that is based on the export of natural resources.

With Lucy projects in education, healthcare, water, human mobility, financial inclusions among others already in the planning stages, he was optimistic that Africa can make a lot changes.

He explained that the scientists at the IBM lab chose 'Lucy' as the project name in reference to the fossilized remains of an early human ancestors found in Ethiopia's Rift Valley.

According to him, IBM will continue to engage African continents with various solutions at its research lab while developing technology solutions that are not only appropariate for local market but are commercially sustainable.

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