3Com SA is to host a "training camp" for its channel partners in southern and eastern Africa, in line with its aim of providing active support for developing economies.
Dubbed the "Partners 3" programme, it will take place in Johannesburg from 4 to 6 May and provide training to European standards - in a hands-on, classroom environment - for delegates from as far a field as Tanzania, Kenya and Zimbabwe.
"3Com has always endorsed the South African government`s initiative to offer support to IT [information technology] industry leaders in sub-Saharan Africa," says Chris van Niekerk, country manager, 3Com SA.
"Backing this, we have provided network technology to educational institutions locally, and have made major donations to the vast medical research network that has been established in Tanzania and its neighbouring countries.
"Partners 3 is a further extension of these initiatives. We believe it will have important spin-off benefits for regional IT industries and lead to the empowerment of small businesses and stimulation of regional economies.
Commenting on the current levels of development of the IT industries in the target countries, van Niekerk says Kenya is well established as a hub for the IT industry in East Africa and Tanzania is experiencing a boom period with many large-scale projects having been commissioned, many in conjunction with 3Com.
"Zimbabwe, thanks to its close ties with South Africa, is also on the leading edge of technology and innovation," he says.
Partners 3 follows on the heels of an introductory event held earlier this year in Harare. Run by Linda Richter, 3Com business development manager for the East Africa region, it was attended by some 50 companies from Tanzania and about 80 each from Kenya and Zimbabwe.
"The response to this event was exceptional," she says. "It demonstrated the need for IT training in these countries. We were able to invite many companies that were not yet 3Com-accredited partners. Nearly all these delegates have made enquiries about joining our partner programme."
In a related announcement, 3Com has established a call centre to support the many 3Com partner companies in the region. There are more than 100 in South Africa alone.
Called the Focal Point Environment, it is designed to provide the back-up for more advanced technical problems that go beyond the typical queries covered in training courses.
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