Written by Ken Macharia | From Capital FM

Global business software firm SAP has announced a seven-year $500 million plan to up-skill local African talent and drive sustainable innovation and growth in Africa. Kenya will be among the key beneficiaries of the investment along with four other core countries; South Africa, Nigeria, Angola and Morocco.

The announcement comes on the back of an impressive double-digit growth rate momentum for SAP Africa where the company serves 1,300 customers across 51 countries.

The investment will focus on accelerating industry growth in energy and natural resources, utilities, public sector, financial service and telecos in the core countries.

Speaking at the launch of the growth plan, Robert Enslin, member of the Executive Board of SAP SE and president of Global Customer Operations said the Board strongly believes that it is the right time for SAP to increase engagement and commitment in Africa.

“SAP’s additional investment in the continent reflects our vision to help the world run better by delivering leading-edge innovation. In Africa, we plan to engage and invest in even more markets while helping build the appropriate talent base for the IT industry and support our customers and partners by actively contributing toward crucial technology and business skills-sets and new employment opportunities in Africa,” said Enslin.

A significant amount of human resource investment will go to SAP’s Skills for Africa Programme. Kenya hosted the pilot programme which saw 67 IT graduates earn SAP certification and all secured employment with partners and SAP.

Pfungwa Serima, CEO SAP Africa said the Skills for Africa Programme will be extended to other parts of Africa.

Read more at Capital FM