Partnership formed to enable a networked society in Africa

5 Apr 2013

Business Sweden, Ericsson and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs announced a strategic partnership for a two-year ICT venture in sub-Saharan Africa. The announcement was made at a recent briefing session held in the Swedish Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa.

The program aims to share knowledge, increase collaboration and trade between key countries and Sweden in order to strengthen the African ICT sector. Workshops and seminars will be hosted in ten African countries, some of the fastest growing markets in the world. High-level delegations including representatives of Swedish companies, key government stakeholders and vertical players from trade, ICT, energy and infrastructure industries will visit Ghana, Angola, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe and more.

Sweden is a strong partner to Africa through institutional corporations, and Swedish organisations have a large presence in Africa. ICT is and will be even more a key area of collaboration.

Pereric Högberg, deputy director general, head of Africa Department, MFA Sweden, said "Sweden and Africa have a strong partnership and historical ties. We see the new modern Africa taking shape and growing. Sweden is, and will continue to be, a solid partner in African developments.

ICT is transforming businesses

ICT is one of Sweden´s key industries and has made Sweden top ranked globally in terms of connectivity, e-governance and ICT innovations. The ICT industry stands for a large share of the employment in Sweden, there is a potential for a similar effect in Africa. A joint report by the World Bank and African Development Bank has already confirmed how ICT is transforming businesses and driving entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region, while enabling access to education, health care, employment, and information that helps citizens improve their quality of life.

Fredrik Jejdling, head of Ericsson Sub-Saharan Africa, said, "We are committed to our vision of a Networked Society in Africa, where technology enables new methods of learning and collaborating, innovative ways of doing business, and new approaches to old problems which results in a better quality of life. Over the past century, Ericsson has consistently explored ways in which we can deploy our technology and solutions to support development on the continent."

Andreas Skinnars, senior vice president of Trade, Business Sweden said: "We are very happy to enter this partnership together with the Foreign Ministry and Ericsson. Through this program we wish to contribute to establishing and showcasing Swedish competence and leading ICT companies to partner up with African companies to support the African growth further. We believe this will be of great benefit for both Sweden and sub-Saharan Africa".

The program starts in Ghana from 17-19 April and continues to Angola on 8-9 May 2013.