Intel unveils technology plans to turn around African fortunes

By: Michael Mike

Intel and AfriLabs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bring artificial Intelligence (AI) into Africa to turn around the continent’s fortunes.

Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja during the week where the MOU was signed, the CEO of Intel, Pat Gelsinger said it is investing in four “superpowers”: Cloud, 5G and Broadband Connectivity, AI, and the intelligent and autonomous edge, on the continent.

Director Government Affairs Africa and EMEA CTO Liaison, Intel Corporation Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, speaking while delivering a closing remarks after the signing of collaboration agreement said, the high technology ‘superpowers’ are coming in an era where all the data that are generated by retail stores, hospitals, manufacturing plants, and even cars must be moved, stored, and processed faster and more securely than ever.

“As Intel looks ahead to the next decade, our ambitions and opportunities have never been greater to unleash the power of data and help advance integrated corporate responsibility strategies in which companies use collaborative models  to drive increased value creation and societal impact. 

He said: “Technology will play a critical role in building a digital future that is equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all. That is why Intel launched its new RISE strategy and 2030 goals.”

He said through the strategy Intel is striving to create a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future, enabled through its technology and the expertise and passion of its employees. 

He further explained that the RISE strategy, is aimed at making technology fully inclusive and expanding digital readiness which is a new concept in the context of rapid digitalization of the global economy. 

He said: “Digital Readiness encompasses the technical and social skills to use emerging technology, a deep trust in these technologies, and the ability of people to use technologies responsibly and effectively for broader socio-economic benefits.

“Intel is committed to taking the program to 30 countries, enabling access to 30 thousand institution partners, and training 30 million people for current and future jobs by 2030 with the support of government and academia.

“Intel has rolled out the Intel Digital Readiness Program, which aims to empower the wider non-techie audiences with the appropriate digital skillsets, mindsets, toolsets, and opportunity to use technology responsibly in the AI-fueled world.”

Soglo said the purpose of Intel is to create world-changing technology that improves the life  of every person on the planet, revealing that the programme includes, Digital Readiness For Leaders which is to empower government leaders on emerging technologies such as AI, Cloud, 5G connectivity and Intelligent Edge including IOT and Cybersecurity to drive informed policymaking, AI For Citizens to develop awareness and understanding of AI among the public.

He added that also includes is AI For Youth Programme which is to empower school students to learn and apply AI tech and social skills for real world problem solving; AI For Future Workforce is aimed at empowering future workforce from technical /vocational schools with necessary AI skills for employability in the digital economy; AI For Current Workforce is to upskill and reskill members of the current workforce such as that of SMEs for immediate work impact.

He said: “In addition, Intel has developed several other programmes and initiatives to accelerate digitization globally in the areathe Intel’s Skills For Innovation programme supports educators in leading the transformation of education and preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

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Other programmes, according to Soglo include the Intel Partner Alliance programme which offers exclusive resources for AI, cloud, high performance computing, and other solution areas to help plan, build, and deliver more customer value.

“And the Intel Developer Zone provides the official source for developing on Intel Hardware and software where you will be able to explore our most popular development areas and resources.

“Intel Ignite, which is our Intel’s Startup Growth Program; and the Intel Ignite OneAPI for Startups program which is targeting the global start-up ecosystem.

He said Intel looks forward to contributing to the development of the deep tech startups ecosystem as well as working with the entire African Startups ecosystem and all the stakeholders.

“It is an honour for Intel to have the opportunity to contribute to AfriLabs effort in supporting the innovation ecosystem in Africa as well as provide soft landings to international partners.

“At Intel our purpose is to create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet. 

“Intel put silicon in Silicon Valley and for more than 50 years, Intel and our people have had a profound influence on the world, driving business and society forward by creating radical innovation that Revolutionizes the way we live.

Intel unveils technology plans to turn around African fortunes