On the streets of Nairobi, Kenya, IBM business consultant Shadrack Kioko captures data on road conditions and traffic congestion in the capital city. Photo via IBM
Technology giant IBM is opening its first IBM Research lab on the African continent. IBM Research – Africa will take root in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) through the Kenya ICT Board.
The lab will conduct basic and applied research focused on solving problems relevant to Africa and will contribute to the building of a science and technology base for the continent.
“IBM’s commitment to undertake the proposed research agenda will contribute greatly to our national priorities as part of Kenya’s Vision 2030,” said His Excellency Honorable Mwai Kibaki, president of Kenya.
“We look forward to delivering world-class research and innovation as part of IBM’s Smarter Planet initiative and playing an important role as an IT leader on the African continent.”
Operations at IBM Research – Africa will begin now and expansion into other parts of Africa may be considered in a second phase.
