Intel- one of the world’s largest chip makers has announced an initiative by which it would provide accessible and affordable ICT solutions to Nigerians. In partnership with Asus, Lenovo, Techno, HP, Zinox, Microsoft, RLG Airtel, Diamond bank and Dell, Intel hopes to drive computer adoption among Nigeria’s youth via this initiative.
Intel’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), Cigdem Ertem, while speaking at the launch of the initiative said “At Intel, we are committed to enriching lives through technology but most importantly empowerment through programs that are aimed at equipping people with the right technology skills sets. The joint PC adoption initiative is one of the ways we will urge consumers to pursue their passions and creativity using the latest PC devices powered by Intel® processor.”
So far though, the company has not yet spelt out exactly how this “accessible and affordable computer and internet” initiative would be executed. Neither has it said how it would decide on what people to reach and teach as well as how the various partners to the initiative play a part in its actualization. All we know now is that the initiative would run for over one-year and would leverage the diverse capabilities of all the partners.
With a bank and a mobile telco in the mix with computer manufactures and software makers, I feel like this initiative may come as a ‘get-a-soft-loan-and-get-a-laptop or buy-a-computer-on-credit arrangement. But that’s just me speculating. We’ll have to wait and see what Intel really wants to do.
