MTN Group - South Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding with the USA's Intel Corporation which will see the two companies collaborating to accelerate the deployment of broadband access in Africa and the Middle East.
The collaboration covers a wide spectrum of initiatives, including areas such as broadband access through pushing WiMax deployment, offering affordable PC bundles for ordinary African consumers and entrepreneurs, and introducing cost-effective internet browsing devices. 
Emerging technology investment
Intel's venture capital division, Intel Capital, and the MTN Group will also invest in emerging technology companies that are innovative and demonstrate a potential for advancing the ICT sector by developing products that contribute to solving typically African business and social problems.
According to the statement, such innovations have the potential to create new industries and offer employment to Africa's growing young population.
| "Strategies developed by MTN and Intel to connect the next generation of broadband users in Africa and the Middle East were a perfect fit, which is why we went into discussions to collaborate," said Intel sales and marketing vice president Gordon Graylish. |
"Both companies have expertise in different aspects of ICT deployment and together we can accelerate bridging the digital divide on the continent."
Skills development
Other areas of collaboration include joint efforts by the MTN Foundation and Intel Education's corporate social responsibility initiatives to equip students and teachers with technology skills.
"These initiatives will contribute to the development of young people in Africa by equipping them with up to date maths and science skills as well as life skills such as critical thinking in the current knowledge economy," MTN said in a statement this week.
Source: www.southafrica.info
