How IBM Is Helping To Build The Startup Ecosystem in Africa

What comes to your mind when you think about technology giant, IBM? Its computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics? Its huge investments into the cloud computing space? Or its unique approach to analytics and big data?

Back in 2011, when we began tracking IBM’s activities in Africa, we wondered what the company’s strategy for Africa really was after seeing the technology company launch a procurement centre in Accra and sign multi-million dollar deals with major Kenyan banks.


But when IBM opened a $1.6 million Client Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa alongside its Innovation Centre launched earlier and rolled out its Watson supercomputer system across Africa this year, we knew that the company was serious about helping the region’s IT businesses, developers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and academics drive innovation and growth.

At least, it wouldn’t be focused in the usual ‘grant business’ that most technology companies included in their Africa strategy. Yes, IBM is actually out here to do more for Africa than we could think.

Apart from its Smarter Cities initiative which enables African cities adopt a more interconnected approach to major amenities such as traffic management, power and water, the company is gradually building the local startup ecosystem in some African countries, something that gets us super excited when companies do.

Last year, the company held a local networking and mentorship event in cities around the world, including Johannesburg, South Africa. This year, IBM is expanding to other Africa cities with the goal of building relationships with quality startups and help them market quickly and cost effectively with a sustainable and profitable model.

Through its Global Entrepreneur Programme designed for startups developing solutions, which provides the support and resource to help them change the way the world works, IBM is teaming up with entrepreneurs to make a positive and fundamental difference in the way we live and work by building a Smarter Planet.

Startups that register to join this exciting entrepreneurial programme could be selected to participate in one of the prestigious SmartCamp events running in four African cities in 2014, namely, Nairobi (July 1), Lagos (July 15), Cape Town (August 28) and Johannesburg (October 8 and 9).

At IBM SmartCamps, entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to network and connect with successful serial entrepreneurs, academic institutions, industry thought leaders, entrepreneurial organisations, associations, angel investors, venture capitalists and others who share a passion for entrepreneurship.

The event also provide a venue to bring together select startups with innovative solutions aligned with IBM’s Smarter Planet initiative for mentoring and the opportunity to present their companies.

Startups would need to be actively engaged in developing a software-based product or service for enterprise customers and need to be aligned with IBM growth initiatives, such as mobile, cloud, big data, analytics and social media, in order to be eligible for participation in the programme.

Culled from www.techloy.com